Shostakovich & Prokofiev – Wolfgang Plagge

Soviet realism by Wolfgang Plagge

Wolfgang Plagge´s interpretations of the Soviet composers Dmitri Shostakovich and Sergei Prokofiev are nothing less than astonishing. The pianist manages to evoke the nervousness and the panic, but at the same time, the otherworldly beauty of Shostakovich´s Piano Sonata. Shostakovich´s second Piano Sonata has led a relatively anonymous existence despite being comparable with the symphonic pieces of the same period in both expression and content. Prokofiev had lived abroad, in both France and the USA, which certainly gave his music an international flavour. His sixth Piano Sonata is characterised by enormous spirit, optimism, struggle and victory over others and oneself.

Since his debut as only a twelve-year-old, Wolfgang Plagge has won several prizes in international and national contests, and has been an active recital pianist, both as a soloist with orchestras and as a chamber musician, all over Europe.