Today is Maxim Schostakovich's 72nd birthday. 10th of May 1957 was also the day, when the latter earned his Moscow Conservatory diploma by performing the premiére of father's (Dmitri Schostakovich's) 2nd Piano Concerto - dedicated to his son.Dmitri Schostakovich on his 2nd piano concerto: "...I compose badly. Have just finished a piano concerto of absolutely no artistic or idealistic value."
Well, I don't know if I can agree on that strong self-critisism. It is true that the Second Piano Concerto is simpler then then other concertos, it's true that it is not calling for typical Schostakovich's sarcasm and satire (though there are very evident conflict points, as well as lots of humour in 1st and last movement). It's true that it is written in neoclasical style, in conventional thre-movement sonata form of an Allegro followed by romanticly inspired and melancholic middle movement closing with a joyful last movement. However, inspite of all this we must not overlook the fact, that its classical language is developed to the highest level (in derivation of motives, skilful use of poliphony, creation of characters and coulours, in building an unique musical thoughts and unit) and that in the same time it represents marvellous pedagogic tool - why it is accessible to many young people.
Yefim Bronfman, piano
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