Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Shostakovich – Chamber Symphony for String Orchestra in C minor (arranged by Rudolf Barshai)
Shostakovich – Piano Concerto No.2
Interval
Shostakovich – Symphony No.5

Maxim Shostakovich conducts his father’s work in what is sure to be one of the most memorable musical evenings in the Butterworth Hall.

It is generally agreed that Dmitri Shostakovich is one of the titans of 20th Century music and certainly the greatest symphonist of his time. The depth and range of his music is truly Beethovenian and we are very fortunate to have visiting us the composer’s son, Maxim Shostakovich, who will conduct an entire Shostakovich programme to celebrate his father’s great gift to the Western musical tradition.

The programme starts with Rudolf Barshai’s searing orchestration of Shostakovich’s 8th String Quartet. This masterpiece, written for string quartet, has been given a second life in Barshai’s orchestration and is now seen as one of the most passionate works of Shostakovich’s output.

The composer’s Second Piano Concerto is by contrast one of his most optimistic works – it was written as a birthday present for his son, Maxim, who is conducting tonight, and in Natasha Paremski’s performance we will be able to enjoy the lyrical line of the second movement, as well as the exuberance to be found in the opening movement and in the finale.

In the second half Shostakovich’s colossal Symphony No.5 will give us all a chance to hear why Shostakovich is revered as the greatest master of the symphonic form in the 20th Century. The depth of the orchestration, the elemental rhythmic patterns and the sheer range of the musical architecture will be revealed in this performance.

Pre-Concert Talk
Conference Room 6.45pm
Tickets £2, Subscribers £1
Maxim Shostakovich in conversation with Paul McGrath, Director of Music, University of Warwick.

SH Jones & Co. wine tasting during interval