Shostakovich- Symphony No. 9 in E-flat Major, op. 70 Part II
The second movement of Shostakovich’s 9th.
II. Moderato
Ternary form
The solo clarinet introduces the first section melody accompanied by quiet, almost sneaky pizzicato strings. The melody is characterized by descents and leaps, which then transform into a more continuous series of ascents and descents. A second clarinet joins at 0:42, low in the clarinets range. The clarinets play a melancholy duet before the flute rises majestically (1:10) in an attempt to brighten the mood. This attempt is unsuccessful, as a rather discordant wind choir builds off of the theme in a somewhat ambiguous fashion.
Signs of things to come first occur at 1:45 with quick wind notes underneath the flute. They foreshadow the nervous waltz that begins in the strings at 2:17. The strings sequence their rhythmic motive upwards before descending and repeating the phrase. A third repetition of the slow rise occurs with an oboe countermelody. At the dead center of the movement (3:20) after a long crescendo in the strings and several forte notes from the brass, the movement climaxes and the strings begin their long descent, making the structure of the movement a large arch.
Strings play a sixteenth-note motive (3:36) in two phrases followed by a return of the flutes and quicker, more active pizzicato accompaniment. The horns take up the opening melody briefly at 4:25 after a flute descent. The waltz makes another appearance (4:35), climbing twice before reaching a temporary resolution at 5:17.
that airy high note is short-lived, as crude sixteenth-note figures sequence downwards in the violins over quiet horns. the sixteenth notes move to the cello, also sequencing downwards. The flute plays the opening phrases of the first section melody (5:42), echoed in part by the strings. The clarinets rejoin with a slow descent that despite its lack of speed creates a sensation of tumbling downwards (5:58). A pizzicato interlude clears the way for a piccolo solo in the closing seconds of the movement, hopeful and bright. The piccolo sustains its final note through a pair of cadential pizzicatos from the low strings.
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If you are interested in listening to a recording, I recommend Valery Gergiev’s 2004 release with the Kirov Orchestra on Philips. You can buy this recording from Amazon by clicking on the image below. Alternatively, you can purchase this recording from the iTunes Music Store often at a reduced price by following the link below.
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