Shadows have a source, they come from light but appear as a darkness.
Shostakovich, as a creative presence in the landscape of 20th century music casts a long, deep and complex shadow. The circumstances of his life were not simple; the forces acting upon it not always clear and the meaning, content, impulses and references in his music were often, by necessity, oblique.
But what is clear is the power, vitality, depth and magnitude of his ideas; along with an absolute commitment and drive to create, despite the repressive suffocation of the Soviet political agenda under which he lived.
This light of inspiration is what I hope comes through the music on this recording. Having released one session inspired by the fugues I wanted to explore the other part of this picture - the preludes. Meeting Harvey was a chance encounter of the most magical and affirmative kind life can offer, when we listen.
I hope you enjoy listening to this album, as we did, to the music and spirit of Dmitri Shostakovich.
Barcelona, June 2023
