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Family life in a time of upheaval

Donald Macleod meets the Shostakovich family at a time when they were wartime evacuees and we hear about the symphony that was almost lost in a train toilet.

Today, Donald Macleod meets the Shostakovich family at a difficult time when they were wartime evacuees, and we learn the tale of the symphony that was almost lost in a train's toilet. His children attend their first concert, and we hear Shostakovich's Second Piano Sonata, dedicated to his friend and former piano teacher.

This week we're exploring Dmitri Shostakovich the family man. We are turning our attention to the middle of the Russian composer's life, hearing about his relationship with his two children (Galina, born in 1936, and Maxim, born in 1938) and his first wife Nina, who he was married to from 1935 until her death in 1954.

6 Romances on Verses by English Poets Op 62 - 1. Sir Walter Raleigh to His Sonne
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
Thomas Sanderling, conductor
Gerald Finley, baritone

Sonata No 2 in B minor Op 61
Vladimir Ashkenazy, piano

Symphony No 7 in C major ‘Leningrad’ Op 60 (4th mvmt)
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Vasily Petrenko, conductor

Producer: Amy Wheel, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Cymru Wales

59 minutes

Music Played

  • Dmitry Shostakovich

    Sir Walter Raleigh to his Sonne (Romances on Verses by British Poets, Op 140)

    Orchestra: Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Thomas Sanderling. Singer: Gerald Finley.
    • ONDINE ODE12352.
    • ONDINE ODE12352.
    • 1.
  • Dmitry Shostakovich

    Sonata No 2 Op 61 for piano

    Performer: Vladimir Ashkenazy.
    • DECCA 470649-2.
    • DECCA 470649-2.
    • 1.
  • Dmitry Shostakovich

    Symphony No 7 in C major, Op 60 (Leningrad) (4th movement)

    Orchestra: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Vasily Petrenko.
    • NAXOS : 8.573057.
    • NAXOS.
    • 4.

Broadcast

  • Tue 21 May 2019 12:00

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