Suite for Jazz Orchestra No. 2 (Original suite)

In 1938, following his First Jazz Suite of 4 years earlier, Shostakovich wrote a second Suite, on the model of his successful first one, but this time scored for a bigger band. Although it was widely performed by the State Jazz Orchestra before the war, the score of this piece disappeared during the late 1940s. In 1999 the original piano-sketch was rediscovered and, at the request of the composer’s widow, Gerard McBurney has prepared a provisional performing version, based on Shostakovich’s original line-up of instruments. This can be used until such time as Shostakovich’s original full-score reappears.


There are three movements: a perky Scherzo, which includes music that later ended up in the 8th Symphony; a sentimental Lullaby; and a Spanish-sounding Serenade.


Note by Gerard McBurney