Both Arensky (1861-1906) and Shostakovich (1906–1975) were active in Russia (Shostakovich mainly in the Soviet Union). They were separated by a difference of about two generations (Shostakovich was born in the year of Arensky’s death). Both acted in important times and circumstances for their country, which can be called difficult, because they tried not to succumb to the ideological pressure: Arensky distanced himself from the new Russian nationalism of The Mighty Five, despite the fact that he greatly valued its musical achievements.
Shostakovich, on the other hand, was subjected to pressure from the Stalinist regime, which was much more serious. Both composers, however, tried to find their artistic path even in such unfavourable circumstances, fighting for the authenticity and truth of their output. Although a piano trio seems to be an ideologically "safe" genre, it is also in this music that they included their individual expression. © DUX Records