Concerto for Piano, Trumpet and String Orchestra (1933)

At the beginning of this work, also known as Piano Concerto No. 1, Shostakovich quotes Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 23 Appassionata, which was composed immediately before Leonore. Although the concerto has solos parts for piano and trumpet, it is not a true double concerto; rather, the trumpet soloist provides a commentary, flitting in and out throughout the piece. The concerto was first performed in October 1933 with the composer himself at the piano and Alexander Schmidt taking the trumpet solo.