Schostakowitsch Festival - Boston Symphony Orchestra & Andris Nelsons

In the organizer's words:

Experience the extraordinary musical diversity of Dmitri Shostakovich under the direction of Andris Nelsons. The Boston Symphony Orchestra presents two of his most impressive symphonies, which offer a fascinating contrast in style and mood.

The Symphony No. 6 in B minor op. 54 from 1939 opens the concert with a mixture of satirical lightness and profound tragedy. This symphony is a fascinating work that combines humorous, almost cabaret-like moments with dramatic passages and reflects the political tensions of the time.

The interval is followed by the 15th Symphony in A major op. 141, a masterpiece from Shostakovich's later creative period (1971-72). It is characterized by meditative calm and profound symbolism. The symphony, which is interspersed with quotations from Shostakovich's own works and other classical composers, offers a quiet, contemplative look at the end of life and music.