After his early enthusiasm for the avant-garde, Shostakovich found his way to a tonal language characterized by greater clarity and simplicity with his Cello Sonata. The work from 1934 is one of Shostakovich's most graceful and melodically impressive pieces, revealing a masterful command of the language of chamber music. Today, the four-movement sonata, written for Shostakovich's cellist friend Viktor Kubatsky, is one of the key works of 20th century cello literature.