Shostakovich’s epic 5th Symphony. 1937 Russia—during the height of the Stalinist purges. The Communist Party denounces Dmitri Shostakovich’s most recent works. Fearing for his life, the young composer writes a “Soviet” symphony, ending with a rousing march. But to many, the triumph rang hollow. Was the symphony meant to celebrate Stalin’s regime? Or did it contain hidden messages protesting the very system it seemed to support?
Overture to Egmont, Op 84 – Ludwig Van Beethoven
In the Steppes of Central Asia – Alexander Borordin
Russian Sailor’s Dance from The Red Poppy – Reinhold Glière
Chamber Symphony in C Minor, Op 110b – Dmitri Shostakovich
Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op 47 – Dmitri Shostakovich
