Best Shostakovich Preludes and Fugues: Top 5 Selections for Piano Lovers
The best Shostakovich Preludes and Fugues Op. 87 are essential for pianists and collectors seeking complete, authoritative renditions or scores. This guide highlights five strong options, clarifying who each is best for and why it stands out. Ideal buyers include students studying the cycle, collectors seeking complete sets, and performers preparing Prokofiev-like counterpoint studies in a modern edition.
| Product | Brand | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Preludes & Fugues Op. 87 | Alto | Audio/Score | Best for complete, compact edition for study and performance preparation |
| Shostakovich: 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87 – Volume 2 (Nos. 13-24) | Sikorski | Score | Excellent for continuing the cycle and hands-on practice of late numbers |
| Shostakovich: 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87 – Volume 1 (Nos. 1-12) | Sikorski | Score | Great for starting the cycle and studying early pieces in depth |
| Shostakovich: 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87 | Naxos | Edition | Reliable printing; best for durable, long-term use |
24 PRELUDES & FUGUES OP. 87
Edition: Alto (Inghilterra). This set includes all 24 preludes and fugues in Op. 87, a practical choice for students and teachers seeking a compact, easy-to-handle volume. Best for: those who want a complete, ready-to-study edition without multiple volumes. Caution: verify page count and binding for frequent use in practice rooms.
Shostakovich: 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87 – Volume 2 (Nos. 13-24)
Edition: Sikorski. This volume completes the cycle, focusing on the later, more intricate numbers. Best for: pianists consolidating technique across the full cycle and needing late-number references. Caution: pages are 96 in this volume; plan for heavier practice sessions and storage considerations.
Shostakovich: 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87 – Volume 1 (Nos. 1-12)
Edition: Sikorski. Contains Nos. 1–12, the introductory half of Op. 87. Best for: students beginning the cycle or performers who want a staged approach to learning the set. Caution: ensure you have both volumes to complete the full cycle.
Shostakovich: 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87
Edition: Naxos. Shrink-wrapped copies offer durable packaging for long-term shelf life. Best for: collectors who prefer a pristine, sealed edition. Caution: shrink-wrapped status may limit immediate accessibility for quick study sessions; ensure you can open the package when needed.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Shostakovich Op. 87 Edition
What should I look for in an edition?
Consider completeness (Op. 87 has 24 pieces), edition accuracy, page layout, and durability. A ready-to-study volume with clear engraving helps reduce misreads during practice. For advanced technique, a multi-volume set that presents all 24 pieces with consistent notation is ideal.
Which format fits my needs?
Scores are best for extensive study and performance prep, while combined editions with both score and accompanying notes assist with interpretation. If you travel or practice in multiple rooms, a compact edition is advantageous.
What if I’m building a personal collection?
Consider editions from reputable publishers (Sikorski, Naxos) for reliability and long-term availability. A sealed edition from a trusted publisher may appeal to collectors, while a lightly used volume serves practice needs.
How to use these editions effectively?
Incorporate slow, deliberate practice of each prelude and fugue, noting counterpoint structure, tonal shifts, and motif development. Use a metronome and segment pieces into manageable sections. Cross-reference with multiple editions to compare editorial choices when learning tricky passages.
Who should avoid certain editions?
Avoid relying on single-volume sets if you need the full cycle. If you require ongoing accessibility for teaching, ensure you have a backup or digital version to avoid interruptions in lessons.
Quick comparison at a glance
- Best for complete beginners: Volume 1 (Nos. 1–12) for staged learning.
- Best for late-number studies: Volume 2 (Nos. 13–24) for finishing the cycle.
- Best durable option: Naxos edition for longevity and standardization.
- Best value for study: Alto edition for a compact all-in-one set.
FAQ
- What are the Op. 87 Preludes and Fugues?
- Which edition is best for beginners?
- Are there editions that are ideal for collectors?
- Should I buy multiple volumes?
- What makes Op. 87 challenging?
- Is an accompanying recording necessary?
They are a complete set of 24 pieces by Dmitri Shostakovich, arranged for solo piano and exploring varied counterpoint and harmonic textures.
A Volume 1 edition (Nos. 1–12) from Sikorski is a practical starting point for new learners who want a gradual approach.
Yes, sealed or shrink-wrapped editions from reputable publishers are preferred by collectors seeking pristine copies.
Yes, to study the full cycle thoroughly, purchase Volume 1 and Volume 2, or a complete edition that consolidates all 24 pieces.
The set combines intricate counterpoint with various piano textures, demanding precise fingering, tempo control, and expressive shading.
Recordings are helpful for interpretation but not required; use scores first to learn the exact notes and rhythms.