Reception
Before premiering the work, Shostakovich privately performed the first half of the cycle before the Union of Composers, (as was typical with new compositions during the Soviet Era) on March 31, 1951.
The panel expressed great displeasure at the dissonance in some of the fugues. They also objected to the fugue in Soviet music because it was considered too Western and archaic.
This work is considered by many (e.g. music critic Alex Ross, musicologist Tanya Ursova, etc.) to be produced by the "other Shostakovich," or as a composition "for the desk drawer." According to Ross, the composer used chamber forms in the period to channel his most personal compositions, those that would not be suitable for use or approval by the Soviet Government. This piece is included in that group along with several string quartets.
Read more about this topic: 24 Preludes And Fugues (Shostakovich)
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