Following the success of his Fifth Symphony, all eyes were on Shostakovich to create a work that would measure up to its predecessor. The Sixth was originally intended as an immense musical monument to Lenin, to be woven with heroic melodies and folk songs. Instead his audiences were surprised to hear a quite different result—a contemplative, restrained first movement that morphs puzzlingly into a ferocious ending.

The Fifteenth is another of Shostakovich’s musical enigmas, with inexplicable quotes from music by Rossini, Glinka and Wagner dotted throughout, alongside references to his own music from his younger years. Written in 1970–71 when the composer’s health was declining, this final symphony is one of fond reflection.

Together these unconventional works showcase Shostakovich’s range as a composer—from wild exuberance to quiet introspection.

Composer Dmitri Shostakovich
Conductor Gianandrea Noseda
Performers London Symphony Orchestra

Symphony No. 15 in A Major, Op. 141
1. I. Allegretto
2. II. Adagio – Largo – Adagio – Largo
3. III. Allegretto
4. IV. Adagio – Allegretto – Adagio – Allegretto

Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 54
5. I. Largo
6. II. Allegro
7. III. Presto

Release Date 26 May 2023
LSO0878 | 0822231187820

Producer Nicholas Parker
Engineers Jonathan Stokes and Neil Hutchinson for Classic Sound Ltd
Recorded October 2019 (Symphony No 6) & February 2022 (Symphony No 15), Barbican, London

DSD (Direct Stream Digital) recording

Booklet in English, French & German

FLAC - 24bit 96kHz - Compatible with Windows and Android devices
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