Piano Concerto No. 1

By the early 1930s, Stalin had been ruling the Soviet Union with an iron hand for nearly a decade, but the young Shostakovich’s life had not yet been significantly affected. He enjoyed growing renown both at home and abroad, thanks in particular to the highly favorable reception of his First Symphony, and gave free rein to his creative ideas. In 1932, he married the physicist Nina Varzar and completed his ambitious opera Lady Macbeth, which would enjoy immense success until his fall from grace in 1936. In 1933, wishing to devote more time to his career as a pianist, he composed his 24 Preludes and Piano Concerto No. 1 concurrently. 

In this concerto, one can discern the influence of Shostakovich’s years as a silent film accompanist and his work in the theater: the new work is astonishing and eclectic, virtuosic and full of contrasts, comic and parodic. It also gives the trumpet a prominent role as a solo instrument. Playful from the very first notes of the muted trumpet, the Allegretto alternates between a melancholic theme and another that is far more dance-like and biting. The ensuing Lento takes the form of a contemplative waltz, reminiscent of the central movement of Ravel’s Concerto in G. The Moderato serves as a brief interlude before the final Allegro con brio. This fourth movement displays a satirical, mocking humor, notably featuring quotations from Haydn and Beethoven. The latter’s rondo “Rage Over a Lost Penny” acts as a frenetic cadenza before the orchestra returns for a breathtaking finale, with the trumpet galloping right up to the final beat of the baton. The work premiered on October 15, 1933, in Leningrad, with Shostakovich at the piano.