June 2023

Well, for my next composer, I chose Shostakovich, obviously without knowing how complex and how much volume there is to listen to. Lol.

Shostakovich for novice listener! 

Symphonies 1-15.

Different from each other. Maybe very different.

He feels like Sibelius sometimes, like Brahms at another times, and like himself at other times. Too broad for one person.  

 #5 and #8 seemed familiar due to listened before. 

String quartets.

Had hard time when trying to listen to first time(s). Seemed chaotic and annoying.  After few attempts, finally started listening with little bit ease.

For now, listening is still in process. Need to listen to few more times at least to get grasp on it, not to mention of understanding them. That would be bit far away, I guess.

July 15 entry

Got better acquainted with String Quartets after few weeks. Listened to 15 pieces by 3 by 3 each week. 

Much better now. I even might like some of it.

So since I am "on" Shostakovich, I need to listen to his 6 concertos (violin, cello, and piano), some suites.  

On it...

Violin concerto

...

Cello concerto

...

Piano concertos -  July 15 entry. All very nice. 

Piano Concerto No. 1&2

Piano Trio Np. 2

...

Suites... Only listened to Gadfly and it is beautiful.

 For the rest of July, will finish up Shostakovich, re-listen to symphonies and violin and cello concertos.

I am thinking of Beethoven for August and September. Tchaikovsky also seemed nice. Maybe him for November and December. Mahler for October. 

Might start new year with Mozart, lol.