Leonard Bernstein - Shostakovich: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 / Poulenc: Concerto for Two Pianos (1993)

Shostakovich's two Piano Concertos lack the seriousness of this four concertos for violin or cello. The first is actually a "double" concerto, having an important part for solo trumpet. It's an early but expertly written work sharing the same musical climate as the First Symphony. The Second Concerto was created for the composer's son Maxim, now a well-known conductor. It's a light- hearted, tongue-in-cheek piece with a Romantic slow movement. It's been a popular favorite since the day it was written, and perfectly compliments Poulenc's madcap send-up of everything from silent movie music to Mozart and the Javanese gamelan. Good for whatever ails you. -- David Hurwitz