Dmitri Shostakovich - Piano Concertos; Fantastic Dances; Prelude & Fugue (Giuseppe Andalora)

Information

Composer: Dmitri Shostakovich

• Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 35
• Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Major, Op. 102
• 3 Fantastic Dances, Op. 5
• Prelude and Fugue No. 24, Op. 87

Giuseppe Andalora, piano

Orchestra Sinfonica Abruzzese

Filippo Arlia, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Brilliant Classics

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Dmitri Shostakovich (1906–1975) composed two piano concertos that exemplify contrasting facets of his musical and emotional expression. The Piano Concerto No.1 in C minor, Op.35 (1933), written for piano, trumpet, and strings, combines wit, irony, and dramatic intensity, with the trumpet often acting as a playful foil to the piano. Its blend of humor and underlying tension reflects both youthful brilliance and the pressures of Soviet artistic life. In contrast, the Piano Concerto No.2 in F major, Op.102 (1957), written for his son’s birthday, is lighter, transparent, and lyrical, featuring joyful outer movements and a tender slow movement, showcasing Shostakovich’s elegance, clarity, and emotional warmth.

Giuseppe Andaloro (born 1982, Palermo) is among the most celebrated Italian pianists of his generation, recognized for his technical mastery and expressive depth. A laureate of major international competitions—including Ferruccio Busoni, London World, Sendai, Hong Kong, and Porto—he received the Medal for Artistic Merit from the Italian Ministry of Culture in 2005. Andaloro has performed in prestigious venues worldwide, such as Teatro alla Scala, Mozarteum Salzburg, Konzerthaus Berlin, and Royal Festival Hall, and at renowned festivals including Salzburg, Ruhr, and George Enescu. He has collaborated with leading orchestras and conductors, including the London Philharmonic, NHK Symphony, Vladimir Ashkenazy, and Gianandrea Noseda, establishing a distinguished international career.