Pianist Anne-Marie McDermott on “The Strad”: Commemorating 50 years since Shostakovich’s death with New Album

Anne-Marie McDermott releases today the new album Shostakovich on First Hand Records, the day before the 50th anniversary of the composer’s death. One of the most dazzling American pianists of her generation, McDermott is joined by violist Paul Neubauer, praised as “a master musician” by The New York Times. The album is available on a DigiSleeve CD and on all streaming/download platforms. It consists of the Cello Sonata, Op. 40, in an arrangement for viola and piano; the recently discovered Impromptu, Op. 33; and the Viola Sonata, Op. 147, Shostakovich’s final work.

“Perhaps the anniversary is a fitting occasion for violist Paul Neubauer and pianist Anne-Marie McDermott to record the Viola Sonata, which was Shostakovich’s final work, completed just over one month before his death in 1975,” writes The Strad in today’s feature, also recounting the 2017 discovery of the short but delectable Impromptu.

Anne-Marie McDermott and Paul Neubauer at Tippet Rise Art Center, where the album was recorded (credit: Emily Rund)

“It was a huge honor and inspiration to record this album at the magnificent Tippet Rise Art Center with violist Paul Neubauer,” says McDermott. “The environment at Tippet Rise created the most magical and serene backdrop for such profound and powerful music. These two sonatas are such an important part of musical history and they reflect a universe far beyond our human understanding. Having the opportunity to record them with Paul, an artist and friend whom I admire so much, was an intense, magical journey.”

To read the full piece, click here.

To find out more about the album and order your copy, click here.

Photo credit: Tristan Cook