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Abstract
The first part of this document presents a history about Dmitri Shostakovich’s life in the Soviet Union and a history about his major cello compositions, Concerto No.1, op.107, in Eb major and Concerto No.2, op.126. I will explain how Joseph Stalin’s communist regime had an effect on Shostakovich’s career, compositions, and his life in general. Thought this research, I will compare Shostakovich’s two cello concertos, discussing similarities, differences, and characteristics of the two concertos such as the use of a cadenza, the proportions of the movements, and the use of form and motives. Since the second concerto has been labeled the beginning of Shostakovich’s “late style,” I will discuss new features in his writing. The last part will contain a performance guide information.