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Shostakovich Prelude and Fugue performing tradition

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Topic: Shostakovich Prelude and Fugue performing tradition (Read 1695 times)

lowk-_-y

PS Silver Member
Jr. Member
Posts: 43

Shostakovich Prelude and Fugue performing tradition

on: November 06, 2020, 12:10:14 PM

So I'm planning on playing either Shostakovich Prelude and Fugue No. 5 D major or only the Prelude of No. 23 F major for an exam. I would naturally play the F major fugue as well but that would exceed the time limit.

Is it genuinely looked down upon to play just the prelude from a prelude and fugue? I have a feeling that it is the case with Bach and since Shostakovich clearly modelled these after Bach is the performing tradition the same?

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brogers70

PS Silver Member
Sr. Member
Posts: 1818

Re: Shostakovich Prelude and Fugue performing tradition

Reply #1 on: November 06, 2020, 05:04:09 PM

For what it's worth, Shostakovich wrote "attacca" after the Preludes, indicating that he thought they should lead immediately into the Fugues. That would suggest that he, anyway, would not be keen on a Prelude being performed in isolation. And a judge might feel the same way. Personally, I think lots of those Preludes work fine standing alone, but I'm not a judge.