This very poignant, furious and depressing eighth string quartet by Shostakovich is, according to the score, dedicated ‘to the victims of fascism and war’; his son Maxim interprets this as referring to the victims of all totalitarianism, while his daughter Galina says he dedicated it to himself and that it was a published dedication imposed by the Soviet authorities. The entire quartet is built around the DSCH motif, Shostakovich’s musical signature, translating the initials of his name into tones. Shostakovich regarded the work as his epitaph and, according to friends, planned to commit suicide around this time. 

This unique duo ‘In Croce’ for cello and accordion (or Bayan), is a true meditation on the meaning of the cross. The title is inspired not only by the fundamental nature of the work, but also by its structure. While at first the instruments play either in a high register (accordion) or a low register (cello), they come closer together and intersect as the composition progresses. The crossing of the two melodic lines is the climax, an explosion of energy. 

Rooted in Armenian music and folklore, Arno Babajanian’s Piano Trio in F sharp minor was immediately acclaimed as a masterpiece on its premiere. In three substantial movements, it is passionate and full of memorable melodies, with wonderful writing for all three instruments. A real discovery!