Shostakovich Violin Concerto No. 1 April 11, 2007

DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975)
Violin Concerto No. 1 (1947-48)

"It was a dangerous time for music in 1948 when Shostakovich was completing his First Violin Concerto—during Stalin’s regime, a month after the notorious Zhdanov Decrees had censured the composer for 'bourgeois, formalist deviations.' When he and other composers were summoned before Zhdanov’s conference, his works were deemed to appeal to 'foreign bandits and imperialists.' Appearing repentant and remorseful, Shostakovich said: 'I have always striven to have the people accept my music. I have always heeded criticism directed against me, and tried in every way to work better and harder.' Still, it would be seven years before the dedicatee, David Oistrakh, courageously premiered the Violin Concerto. Two months later, he joined the New York Philharmonic for its U.S. premiere. From ominous Nocturne to spectacular Burlesque, it has become not only a virtuoso vehicle for the soloist but a masterpiece for all time."

Inside the Music with Peter Schickele:
"Peter Schickele's insightful introduction, with commentary and musical examples, will help you enjoy the music even more. A complete performance follows. "

Official Website: http://nyphil.org/attend/season/index.cfm?page=eventDetail&eventNum=957&seasonNum=6