Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich ： Piano Sonata No.2 in h-moll Op.61

Shostakovich’s Piano Sonata No. 2 condenses a hard-edged rhythmic character, dense counterpoint, and profound lyricism into three concise movements. In the first movement, repetitions of short motives and sudden dynamic changes create tension, while the Largo of the second movement traces quiet shades through long-breathed melodies and shifting harmonies. In the finale, a more active musical character comes to the fore again. Performers should differentiate the voices clearly and make effective use of sharp accents and rests, while allowing the sonority to unfold unhurriedly in the slow movement and bringing out the inner voices with care.