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Donald Macleod explores the time Shostakovich spent after being evacuated from the besieged Leningrad to the city of Kuibyshev.

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.

In Wednesday’s episode, Donald explores Shostakovich’s evacuation from the besieged city of Leningrad, and examines what life was like for the composer and his family in their temporary home in the city of Kuibyshev, and with their friends now scattered across the vast geography of Soviet Russia. In this period of uncertainty and dislocation, Shostakovich turned to an unlikely source of inspiration for the most deeply personal song cycle he would ever write.

Counterplan, Op 33 (Song of the Counterplan)
Alexander Kerr (violin)
Royal Concergebouw Orchestra
Riccardo Chailly, conductor

The Golden Age Suite, Op 22a (2nd mvt, Adagio)
Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra
Maxim Shostakovich, conductor

Preludes, Op 34 (Nos 9-13)
Andrey Gugnin, piano

Romances on English poets, Op 62
Gerald Finley, baritone
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
Thomas Sanderling, conductor

Sonata No 2 in D minor, Op 61 (3rd mvt, Moderato)
Peter Donohoe, piano

Produced by Sam Phillips for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Audio Wales & West