Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 1

[xavierm]

This is a more recent performance of this past year's concerto competition. I played the whole thing, but even after converting it and splitting it all I could fit onto youtube was the last half of the last movement split into two parts (for the audition I only played the third and fourth movements anyway). But this part contains the cadenza and the ever-evil prestissimo two octave, octave jumps near the end and some other tricky parts. This is a rather obscure piece, but everyone should get to know it because it's a wonderful, wonderful concerto. Again, sorry for the sound. Enjoy.

Part I -

Part II -

[dlu]

I love this concerto. I really liked your performance. I wish I could hear you play with an orchestra because sometimes with the second piano there are so many piano sounds going on at the same time. You have great playing and technique. Maybe experiment some more sounds...just a thought.

Congratulations!
DLu

[paulmt]

First time I've heard this piano concerto and I think you played it well.  I really like the cadenza part.  You need to play faster!

[xavierm]

First time I've heard this piano concerto and I think you played it well.  I really like the cadenza part.  You need to play faster!

You, sir, are funny. It's true... Shostakovich's recording is a big bit faster... but he is also sloppy when he plays it. Maybe if I pick it up again in a couple years I could get it faster, but the fingering is so weird it's almost impossible.