Transcript Shostakovich 1

SHOSTAKOVICH
1
PRELUDE AND FUGUE IN A OP. 87 NO. 7
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• To recap our knowledge of neoclassicism
• To be able to identify neoclassical elements of the
Shostakovich Prelude and Fugue
• To study the background and performing circumstances
LISTEN
• Based on the evidence this piece has many features of two
contrasting periods. What are they and what are the
features which suggest each period?
NEOCLASSICISM
• “Back to Bach”
• Emotional restraint; balance; clarity
• Reaction against highly indulgent late Romanticism
• Use of older techniques to organise 20th century harmonies
and rhythms
• Absolute music
• Size of orchestra
• Stravinsky, Prokofiev, Poulenc, Hindemith…
NEOCLASSICISM 2
• Prokofiev Symphony 1 “Classical” 1917
• What are the “classical” features?
• What are the 20th century features?
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nayn7JS11vU
“I thought that if Haydn were alive today he would
compose just as he did before, but at the same
time would include something new in his manner
of composition. I wanted to compose such a
symphony: a symphony in the classical style”
PROKOFIEV
CLASSICAL
20TH CENTURY
• Classical orchestra
• Unusual modulations
• Antecedent-consequent
phrasing
• Some asymmetric phrases
• Sonata form!
• Highly detailed markings in
score; instrumental techniques
• Lovely perfect cadences
everywhere
• Disjunct melodies
• “Wrong-note” harmony
• Syncopation/jazzy rhythms
• Short
SHOSTAKOVICH
• 1906-1975, Russia
• Composer and pianist
• Frequently censored by
Soviets
• 24 Preludes and Fugues for
Piano op. 87 1950-1951
• Part homage to JSB (d.
1750) Wohltemperierte
Klavier
NEOCLASSICAL FEATURES OF THE
SHOSTAKOVICH
• Use of Prelude and Fugue form (esp. Fugue)
• Absolutism and lack of expressive material
• Prelude is melodically and rhythmically similar to Bach
• Chorale-like RH in Prelude e.g. 6-8
• Use of two-part counterpoint in Prelude
• Use of a relatively limited range of the piano
INSTRUMENTATION
• Piano…
• Tricky but not super-difficult
• Some sharing lines between RH and LH in fugue (find an
example)
• Prevailing dynamic?
• What is the range used?
• Compare with Bach and with other 20th-Century music?
PLENARY
List some features of the Shostakovich which you would
not find in a Prelude and Fugue by J S Bach