Shostakovich: Two Pieces Op.36a

Dmitri Shostakovch (1906-1975) – Two Pieces for String Quartet (Elegy & Polka), Op.36a
– Elegy. Adagio (from Op.29)
– Polka. Allegretto (from Op.29)

According to Boosey & Hawks: “… these two brief pieces are both arrangements. The first is a haunting transcription of Katerina’s aria from scene 3 of Shostakovich’s opera ‘Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District’ op.29; the result is a delicate waltz for quartet. The second piece is a version of the famous and comical Polka from the Music Hall scene of Shostakovich’s ballet ‘The Golden Age’ op.22.”

The Two Pieces are no part of the 15 String Quartets Shostakovich wrote.