Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 1

This concerto, dedicated to the great cellist, Mstislav Rostropovich, as was Shostakovich's second Cello Concerto, is most noted by fans of the great Shostakovich, for the main motif, DSCH in German, which corresponds to Shostakovich's German initials. The motif, D, E Flat, C, B, as is used in many of Shostakovich's compositions, is first introduced by the cello, and the theme is reiterated as the movement progresses with an aggressive allegro. The horns bring another dimension to the movement as a strong interplay between the cello and the orchestra appears, the jarring sounds creating an image of strength within turmoil and without sacrificing the musicality of the Concerto.
This then moves into a more gentle, subtle Moderato which creates a disturbing unease through the flexible variations of the cello, contemplatively moving through the movement with ease as the themes grow, as again the orchestra compliments the cello, a wonderfully searching cry from the cello as the Concerto begins to once more become lively, moving into the Cadenza.
The Cadenza, is the shortest, and arguably the weakest movement, yet still involves an intriguing theme from the cello, as the DSCH motif hints at reappearing. In all, this movement serves mainly as an introduction to the finale, which enters without pause, the Allegro con moto, travelling into a more lively sequence as it begins to once more sing the DSCH motif. The cello moves gracefully through a movement of challenges as the orchestra interacts wonderfully with the soloist, before the motif ends the concerto in a most wonderful fashion, though not without leaving us with an unnerving feeling that not all is right in the world.
One of my favourite Shostakovich pieces, I must say that the first two movements are by far superior to the rest of the Concerto, yet it is well worth listening to the entire piece. For those unfamiliar with Shostakovich, here is a program that runs approximately 2 hours that gives a relatively thorough introduction to his more serious works.

Cello Concerto No. 1

Symphony No. 3

Piano Concerto No. 2

String Quartet No. 7

Symphony No. 1