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Experiences
Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) Notes on Chamber Symphony op. 110a It is actually an arrangement of another work : string quartet no. 8.
While listening to it one wonders whether it is a kind of personal requiem for the deads ?!
It is actually dedicated to the victims of fascism and war.
One can imagine the breath of the death himself - also black horses that are running, agony, notes that are deadly hanging !
(Sometimes is just too quiet).
Jumps of suspense and intense rhythm.
Touching atmosphere everywhere.
Usually very dissonant (not always in the same degree) and "eccentric" in its own way - anyway, at some points there are also a few tonal references eventually tending to "escape" !
Brusque curves but also shaped climaxes.
Chromatic moves are sometimes playing with our ears.
With a peculiar sense of cohesion and continuity that is constantly changing.
Sharp atonal motifs that are persisting.
Specific phrases that are just too complicated, especially as rhythm is concerned.
Well-placed string effects referring directly to the 20th century. Perfect !  Notes on Symphony for Strings op. 118a : again based on a string quartet (no. 10, op 118) More calm and "sweet" than the previous work - at least in some parts !
Composer very comfortable writing for string ensembles.
Rhythm complicated and scaring and also many times "persisting" - with brief climaxes !
Often demonic motion in the quick parts that are looking difficult to perform ! Sometimes all these are coming to no conclusion !
But, he is never boring !
Often he is very emotionally strong (slow movements).
Often the sound is "eerie".
His very secret : phrases "similar" that are "changing" !
+ macroscopic climaxes.
Transitions in the atmosphere full of fantasy.
Brain horror. Both works performed by Hamburg Soloists, the conductor was Emil Klein (Arte Nova Classics).
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