Immerse yourself in the captivating world of classical chamber music with "Arcanum: Shostakovich & Auerbach," a remarkable collaboration between renowned violist Kim Kashkashian and accomplished composer and pianist Lera Auerbach. Released on ECM New Series in 2016, this album is a testament to the enduring brilliance of Dmitri Shostakovich's 24 Preludes, Op. 34, masterfully arranged for viola and piano by Lera Auerbach.
The album opens with Shostakovich's 24 Preludes, a collection of short, characterful pieces that showcase the composer's unique voice and emotional depth. Each prelude is distinct, ranging from the serene and introspective to the energetic and playful. Kashkashian and Auerbach's performances are nothing short of extraordinary, bringing a remarkable sensibility and panache to each piece. Their interpretation is both sensitive and dynamic, capturing the essence of Shostakovich's compositions with remarkable clarity and precision.
Following the preludes, the album concludes with Auerbach's own composition, "Arcanum," a four-movement work that complements Shostakovich's preludes beautifully. "Arcanum" is a deeply personal and introspective piece, reflecting Auerbach's unique musical language and her ability to convey complex emotions through her music.
Recorded in 2013 at Radio Studio DRS in Zürich, the album benefits from the expert engineering of Peter Laenger, ensuring a rich and immersive sound quality. The combination of Kashkashian's virtuosic playing, Auerbach's insightful arrangements and compositions, and the superb production makes "Arcanum: Shostakovich & Auerbach" a standout release in the world of classical chamber music. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
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