Performing Arts : Recordings

SHOSTAKOVICH: 24 Preludes and Fugues

Vladimir Ashkenazy, piano

Decca

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Inspired by the Bach centenary in 1950 and composed in only about 4 1/2 months, these 24 preludes and fugues have rarely been recorded complete because of their enormous technical and interpretive challenges. But as conclusively proven here, they stand as modern counterparts to Bach’s “The Well-Tempered Clavier.” The set offers concise expression married with astonishing creative variety, and represents the high compliment of one great composer seemingly submerging his own personality into the style of another. Actually, into several others, as it turns out. But of course Shostakovich’s genius erupts constantly, wonderfully.

Ashkenazy plays the set with the greatest respect and fluent attention, imposing no dramatic or interpretive willfulness, which these multifaceted gems clearly do not need. A splendid recording.