Shostakovich Cello Sonata in D Minor, Op. 40, II. Allegro

Melissa L.

• Artist Statement

  Preparing this movement of Shostakovich was very intense for me. Embodying the bitterness and irony of his sound required extensive research on his life and the suffering he endured.

• Creative Statement

  Creativity means TREES. I always have to play my cello to the tree in my backyard before my sound becomes truly mine. When I play for nature, I start to play about nature. This becomes the most pure and resonant version of my music.