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The Three Fantastic Dances show up now and then, Op. 87 is played by many people, and the concertos are popular, but the two sonatas are hardly ever touched and the 24 Preludes, Op. 34 have also fallen out of favor. It's a shame, because here we have one of the most expressive composers and we're not taking advantage!
It may not be answerable, but it's a great question.
There are a few biographies out. Studying the outer life of an artist may not tell the story about the inner life, but it can lessen the misimpression that the music emerges from a vacuum. You might find 'some answers,' if not 'the answer.'
Yes, wow, but... I have no idea why people play that A minor prelude so fast. It loses its lilt. I don't get it. (I do appreciate Jarrett's op.87 recording in general, though.)
One of my favourite Shostakovich symphonies is the 6th, and here is the rollicking finale. I love it when Shotakovich unbottons and simply lets himself go. Almost a slapstick ending and guaranteed fun for all! Far preferable, IMO, than the rather dismal 7th.
As for your question "Why is Shostakovich so beautiful?" who could answer that?
I'll give it a shot.
Shostakovich uses mostly tertian harmony (chords based on thirds) so his harmonic vocabulary is familiar. Then he balances use of familiar progressions with unexpected harmonic twists. The unexpected twists are at some of his most expressive moments. Add to that his counterpoint is elegant and you get beautiful music. Or you could say it was magic.
As for your question "Why is Shostakovich so beautiful?" who could answer that?
I'll give it a shot.
Shostakovich uses mostly tertian harmony (chords based on thirds) so his harmonic vocabulary is familiar. Then he balances use of familiar progressions with unexpected harmonic twists. The unexpected twists are at some of his most expressive moments. Add to that his counterpoint is elegant and you get beautiful music. Or you could say it was magic.
There is a lot of his music that explanation doesn't account for, like the piece I posted.
![[Linked Image]](http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s320x320/307989_10150301651947124_668427123_7815921_1883770171_n.jpg)