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Beethoven to Babi Yar

Ryan Bancroft conducts the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales in Shostakovich's moving 13th Symphony, 'Babi Yar', and with Jonathan Biss, Beethoven's 1st Piano Concerto.

The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ National Orchestra of Wales are joined in Cardiff once again by their Principal Conductor, Ryan Bancroft, to perform two masterful works. Shostakovich wrote his 13th Symphony to five poems by dissident Russian Poet Yevgeny Yevtushenko. It begins with his anti-antisemitic outcry, Babi Yar β€” a ravine in Kyiv that was host to a terrible massacre of Jews by the Nazis β€” which gives the symphony its nickname. The remaining four poems that Shostakovich set create a snapshot of Soviet life, from women queuing in a shop to the memory of waiting for the dreaded knock on the door from the secret police, and they draw on all of Shostakovich's characteristic compassion, wit, and derision. The concert opens with Jonathan Biss as soloist in Beethoven's charming First Piano Concerto; a dedicated Beethoven specialist and exceptionally skilled pianist, he is sure to deliver all the poise and grace needed for a truly unforgettable performance.

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No 1 in C major, Op 15
Shostakovich: Symphony No 13 in B flat minor, Op 113, 'Babi Yar'

Jonathan Biss (piano)
James Platt (bass)
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales
Ryan Bancroft (conductor)

2 hours, 28 minutes

Last on

Tue 20 Feb 2024 19:30
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3

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Recipes

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Music Played

  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Piano Concerto No 1 in C major, Op 15

    Performer: Jonathan Biss. Orchestra: Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ National Orchestra of Wales. Conductor: Ryan Bancroft.

  • AntonΓ­n DvoΕ™Γ΅k

    Piano Quintet No. 2 in A major Op.81 (3rd mvt)

    Performer: Jonathan Biss. Ensemble: Elias String Quartet.
    • Dvorak & Schumann: Piano Quintet.
    • Onyx.
    • 7.

  • Joseph Haydn

    Quartet No 3 in C major, Op 33, 'Bird' (3rd mvt)

    Ensemble: Chiaroscuro.
    • BIS : 2588.
    • BIS.
    • 11.

  • Modest Petrovich Musorgsky

    Pictures From An Exhibition (The Great Gate Of Kiev)

    Performer: Boris Giltburg.
    • Boris Giltburg - Mussorgsky Β· Scriabin Β· Prokofiev.
    • EMI.
    • 16.

  • Dmitry Shostakovich

    Symphony No 13 in B flat minor, Op 113, 'Babi Yar'

    Singer: James Platt. Orchestra: Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ National Orchestra of Wales. Choir: Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ National Chorus of Wales. Conductor: Ryan Bancroft.

  • Dmitry Shostakovich

    Prelude and Fugue in C minor, Op 87 No 20

    Performer: Alexander Melnikov.
    • Shostakovich The Preludes & Fugues Alexander Melnikov Piano.
    • Harmonia Mundi.
    • 15.

Broadcast

  • Tue 20 Feb 2024 19:30
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3