Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich ： 24 Preludes and Fugues No.17 in As-Dur Op.87-17

This work makes expressive use of the soft, bright sonority of A-flat major, combining lyricism with the tension of counterpoint. In the Prelude, listen for the interplay between the singing melody and flowing accompaniment, which brings the shifting harmonies into relief. In the ensuing Fugue, the subject is passed from one voice to another, gradually increasing the musical density; the interweaving of the voices is a particular point of interest. In the Prelude, keep the melody from being covered and maintain a light accompaniment. In the Fugue, preserve the independence of each voice while shaping the larger flow and climax.