WALTZ nº 2 (SCORES) - Dmitri Shostakovich - GUITAR TABS

Composed as part of Shostakovich’s Suite for Variety Orchestra – Waltz No. 2 is one of the composer’s most famous works. The suite was composed post-1956, and was subsequently used as part of the soundtrack for the Russian film The First Elechon. The suite itself is comprised of eight small movements, all of which are scored for a large orchestra. The ‘variety’ element is supported by Shostakovich’s addition of a full saxophone section, a celeste and two pianos. In the composer’s note at the start of the score, Shostakovich writes that the movements can be played in any order, and they do not all have to be played in one performance. Waltz No. 2 is certainly the most famous from the suite, largely due to its affiliation with The First Elechon. This particular composition by Shostakovich is in ABA form, with the outer sections being firmly rooted in C minor. Throughout the short work Shostakovich moves between Eb major and C minor (relative major/minor keys), which creates a certain unsteadiness to the piece. Beginning with a march-like 3/4 accompaniment from the drums and strings, the tempo and character of the piece is soon set. The main melody is first played by the alto saxophone, which highlights the ‘variety’ aspect of the orchestration. The timbre of the alto saxophone with the sparse march accompaniment creates the signature uneasy atmosphere that this waltz is so well-known for. On face value this could be read as a romantic waltz, however the dichotomy between the...