Alexander Melnikov, Piano

After Isabelle Faust takes on the Bach Sonatas and Partitas, pianist Alexander Melnikov will tackle a wildly different but equally tremendous cycle: Shostakovich’s complete 24 Preludes and Fugues. Composed at the height of his popularity after the Second World War, these pieces are quintessential Shostakovich: sometimes sarcastic, sometimes wistful, and almost always politically charged. Russian-born Melnikov is one of the only pianists to commit this daunting cycle to recording, and did it in dazzling fashion: his 2010 recording was included in BBC Music Magazine’s list of the “50 Greatest Recordings of All Time.” Another critic reflects on his interpretation: “everything is testament to reflection and skill, yet the pianist is not lecturing, but laughing, dreaming, lamenting and dancing” (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung). Following this stunning critical reception, he makes a rare live appearance at Princeton focusing on these extraordinary pieces from Russia’s most controversial composer.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE REPERTOIRE…

INSIDE THE SHOSTAKOVICH PRELUDES & FUGUES FOR PIANO WITH SIMON MORRISON
a class in collaboration with the Princeton Adult School
Wednesday, March 2, 2016 7-8:30PM
Taplin Auditorium in Fine Hall

In the lead up to this extraordinary concert, Princeton Professor Simon Morrison, one of the world’s leading experts on Russian and Soviet music, will untangle the mysteries of these pieces and illuminate their importance, giving class members an insider’s knowledge of what to expect from the performance.  This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in these rarely heard pieces from Russia’s most controversial composer.

This class is offered through the Princeton Adult School. To sign up, visit thier website or call 609-683-1101.

Class:  $40
Class, plus a concert ticket: $76