This exhilarating waltz-evening program presents Shostakovich as the entertainer. It will come as a delightful surprise to those who aren't acquainted with Shostakovich's lighter side.

The first-time collection features waltzes from nine films: Unity, Return of Maxim, Golden Hills, Pirogov, Human Comedy, First Echelon, The Gadfly, Michurin, and Moskva-Cheremushki. A Lyric Waltz, Humoresque Waltz, Two Waltzes, 2 Galops, a Dance and a Polka from the Ballet Suites I, II, and III round out the waltz-evening program, along with a Polka from The Golden Age. Also included are two favorite dance encores: Spanish Dance from The Gadfly and Tahiti Trot (Tea for Two).

This is a CD for any festive occasion, full of excitement, romance and fun. The orchestrations have tremendous variety and color. There is even a balalaika solo!

Shostakovich's lifelong connection with the theatre began early. All through his teenage years he played the piano regularly in a silent movie theatre. He composed scores for 37 films, wrote music for the ballet, and incidental music for many plays and theatrical productions.