Moscow
Donald Macleod explores Shostakovich’s move to Moscow in the middle of the second World War
Donald Macleod explores Shostakovich’s move to Moscow in the midst of the second World War
Donald Macleod explores Dmitri Shostakovich’s life during the years of World War II, a period indelibly linked to his most famous work – the ‘Leningrad’ symphony - which became an international symbol of resistance against the Nazis when it was performed by an orchestra suffering from the effects of starvation during the siege of the city.
With Leningrad still under siege from Hitler’s forces, in 1943 Shostakovich decided to move from his evacuation home of Kuibyshev to Moscow. Donald Macleod explores Shostakovich’s move and his life in Russia’s capital city, examining how the composer’s new work in the city led to musical contacts which would inspire him to write brilliant new music.
Despite the more invigorating cultural climate of Moscow, Shostakovich is also devastated by the death of close friends, and as the war begins to turn, he writes a new symphony – a requiem for the dead.
Moscow-Chryomushki, Op 105 (1st mvt, A Spin through Moscow)
Philadelphia Orchestra
Riccardo Chailly, conductor
Zoya Suite, Op 64a (1st mvt, Song about Zoya)
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
Vladimir Ashkenazy, conductor
Cello Concerto No 1 in E flat major, Op 107 (2nd mvt, Moderato)
Sheku Kanneh-Mason, cello
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla, conductor
Symphony No 8, Op 65 (4th mvt, Largo)
London Symphony Orchestra
Mstislav Rostropovich, conductor
Piano Trio No 2 in E minor, Op 67 (4th mvt, Allegretto)
Isaac Stern, violin
Emanuel Ax, piano
Yo-Yo Ma, cello
Produced by Sam Phillips for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Audio Wales & West
On radio
Broadcast
- Thu 7 Aug 2025 16:00ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 3
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