This first recording of the works for violin and piano by the Russian composer Vissarion Shebalin (1902–63) – a close friend and colleague of Shostakovich – reveals a surprisingly high number of unsuspected gems: music immediate in its melodic appeal but plumbing real depths of feeling. It reflects the personal integrity to which Shostakovich paid heart-felt tribute: ‘Shebalin was an outstanding man. His kindness, honesty and absolute adherence to principle always amazed me. His enormous talent and great mastery immediately earned him burning love and authority with friends and musical community.’ Violinist Sergey Kostylev is a first violinist with the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra. He performs this programme alongside Russian prizewinning pianist Olga Solovieva.