The piano works of Dmitri Shostakovich (1906–1975) are among the most treasured musical compositions of the 20th century. In this volume, pianist and Russian music scholar Sofia Moshevich provides detailed interpretive analyses of the ten major piano solo works by Shostakovich, carefully noting important stylistic details and specific ways to overcome the numerous musical and technical challenges presented by the music. Each piece is introduced with a brief historic and structural description, followed by an examination of such interpretive aspects as tempo, phrasing, dynamics, voice balance, pedaling, and fingering. This book will be an invaluable resource for students, pedagogues, and performers of Shostakovich's piano solos.

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"This excellent, comprehensive study of Shostakovich's piano music is a gift to performers and teachers. . . . Highly recommended."?Choice

"Moshevich's book is a much needed comprehensive study as well as a guide to learning how to perform Shostakovich's solo piano music. . . . With curious details, such as Shostakovich's being a devoted soccer fan. . . , Moshevich enlivens the otherwise specialized focus of her book, and turns it into a must-have for every music school library."?Music Reference Services Qtly

"A valuable addition to the literature on Shostakovich. Moshevich provides a broad analysis of Shostakovich's piano solos, descriptions of the unique characters, imaginative images to guide pianists, and practical suggestions to bring out the salient features."?Read Gainsford, Florida State University