Programme Notes

Shostakovich wrote his 24 Preludes and Fugues after returning to the USSR from Leipzig, where he had been one of the judges in a prestigious piano competition commemorating the 200th anniversary of Bach’s death in 1949. His inspiration was the piano playing of one of the contestants, Tatiana Nickoayeva, who, although required to play only one Prelude and Fugue from Bach’s Well Tempered Clavier, had prepared all 48 pieces, and so impressed Shostakovich he recommended her for 1st prize, which she duly won.

When completed, the cycle was premiered by Tatiana in December 1952.

This monumental work is one of the greatest original compositions for piano of the 20th century, and although inspired by Bach it is clearly in his own style. Each movement contains its own distinctive texture and mood.

Jeff Miller’s skilful arrangement for seven players not only adds new colours to the music but affords the opportunity for a skilled tubist to be both musical and virtuosic within the context of
the work, combining the roles of ensemble player and soloist that brilliantly complement this distinctly Russian music.