Dmitri Shostakovich

Cello Sonata (Shostakovich)

The Cello Sonata in D minor, Op. 40, was composed in 1934 by Dmitri Shostakovich. It was also a period of emotional turmoil in his life, as he had fallen in love with a young student at a Leningrad

I. Allegro non troppo#

The sonata form first movement contrasts a broad first theme in the cello, accompanied by flowing piano arpeggios, developed by the piano until reaching a climax. The second theme is first played by the piano, then followed by the cello. In the development a rhythmic motif goes through the flowing textures of the first theme. The recapitulation appears with the second theme rather than the first. Shostakovich repeats the first theme where all moves in slow motion, with staccato chords in the piano and sustained notes in the cello.

II. Allegro#

The moto perpetuo outer sections of the second movement frame a minuet-like trio.

III. Largo#

The movement begins with the solo cello, which is later joined by the piano. The manuscript indicates the cello is to play con sordino.

IV. Allegro#

The finale’s rondo theme appears five times, imitated by both instruments, interspersed by episodes of scalar runs. In the second of these, the piano unfurls a brief cadenza. The theme returns, to round off the movement.

Composer: Dmitri Shostakovich