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 9 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.

Just as this program should expand the Shostakovich fan base, so it should bring increased attention to the brilliance of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra and its music director Constantine Orbelian.

21 tracks include waltzes from 9 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; a Polka from The Golden Age; Spanish Dance from TheGadfly and Tahiti Trot (Tea for Two)