CMLVII. SHOSTAKOVICH, Dmitri: From Jewish Folk Poetry, Op. 79a

CMLVII. SHOSTAKOVICH, Dmitri (1906-1975)

From Jewish Folk Poetry, Op. 79a (1948)
1. The Lament for the Dead Child
2. The Thoughtful Mother and Aunt
3. Lullaby
4. Before a Long Parting
5. A Warning
6. The Abandoned Father
7. The Song of Misery
8. Winter
9. A Good Life
10. The Young Girl's Song
11. Happiness
Anna Aglatova, soprano
Svetlana Shilova, mezzo-soprano
Mikhail Gubsky, tenor
National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia
Vladimir Spivakov, cond.
(23:58)

"The distinguishing feature of Jewish music is the ability to build a jolly melody on sad intonations. Why does a man strike up a jolly song? Because he feels sad at heart."

By this time (right after the Zhdanov decree), Shostakovich was used to "writing for the drawer." He knew Stalin would never permit a public performance, thus -- like many "drawer" works -- it received private performances behind closed doors.

Not until 1955 did it receive a public performance.

This beautiful collection is one of his many masterpieces.