Shostakovich: 24 Preludes & Fugues, Op. 87

Jenny Lin's discography to date shows just how difficult it is for a talented young pianist to gain recognition in today's marketplace. She has made excellent recordings for Koch, BIS, and now Hänssler, including discs devoted to modern "niche" composers (Ruth Crawford Seeger, Valentin Silvestrov) and some very clever "interesting repertoire" collections ( Chinoiserie, Preludes to a Revolution). Her complete Bloch music for piano and orchestra easily is (pianistically at least) the best collection of that music currently available. These recordings show that she has it all: intelligence, technique, imagination, curiosity, expressive intensity, and a willingness to take risks. This Shostakovich ought to be a "breakout" release. Lin turns in what is hands-down the finest version yet recorded of this massive work -- a brilliant, moody, energetic, edgy, and technically stunning exploration of Shostakovich's compositional genius. Despite the clarity of the counterpoint, the pianist is