While Mosolov happily captured the spirit of a brave new Soviet industry, for Shostakovich the relationship to Soviet revolution was more complicated. He was proudly a man of the people, but was also consistently persecuted by the state. His celebration of the October 1917 Revolution has a curious grandeur and cinematic gloss to it. What's the story of the commission? And does the twelfth fit in with the other, darker war symphonies?
Pre-concert Talks are extremely popular this season, so please book a ticket in advance and arrive early to guarantee your seat.