SHOSTAKOVICH THEMES


To view the program notes for this concert click here Theme 1
This is the first theme in Shostakovich's Symphony No. 4 in C Minor. Let's call it a main theme and show you how it comes back throughout the movement.		Theme 1 Track 1
Here's theme 1 again. Listen to the lower voices followed by the horns. You'll have to listen carefully, the surrounding accompaniment makes it difficult to catch!		Theme 1 Track 2
Next theme 1 is played much faster by the piccolos and high clarinets.		Theme 1 Track 3
Here the theme is played in triple time by the violins and violas.		Theme 1 Track 4
The theme is picked up here by the horns and repeated by the trumpets. Finally, the trombones take their turn at theme 1.		Theme 1 Track 5
Then the low bassoons carry the theme.		Theme 1 Track 6
Finally, theme 1 can be heard here as a ghostly bassoon solo.		Theme 1 Track 7
Theme 2
This theme is played by the bassoon in the first movement. We'll refer to it as "theme 2" and show you some examples of it throughout the movement.		Theme 2 Track 1
Theme 2 is picked up here by the horns.		Theme 2 Track 2
Here the theme is almost unrecognizable. Listen closely to the horns and trombones to see if you can hear it!		Theme 2 Track 3
The tuba and basses have theme 2 here although it is very elongated.		Theme 2 Track 4
Finally, listen to the trumpets and trombones play different versions of theme 2.		Theme 2 Track 5
Grotesque
The symphony has several examples of odd and different sounds played by various instruments. Here are a few examples.
This is a clip of weird trilling by the piccolos and flutes. If you listen closely, you can hear theme 2 being played in the cellos and basses.		Grotesque 1
Listen here how the percussion's odd sounds bring about the magical end of the second movement.		Grotesque 2
Finally I'd like you to hear a close resemblance to Mahler.		Mahler Similarity

Since this symphony is so massive I have not included many more themes and examples. Hopefully you appreciate the ones that we have included in this little presentation.

I hope you've enjoyed the chance to pick apart this amazing piece by Shostakovich. There's one portion of the piece that's not to be missed.....the ending! I just don't want to spoil the magical, fantastic ending. Come see the performance on Thursday, Oct. 25th at 10:30 AM then again on Friday, Oct. 26th at 8:00 PM. I hope to see you there.

- Jorge Mester

To view the program notes for this concert click here