The composer Dmitri Shostakovich is among the most famous representatives of 20th century music. Praised and denounced in his lifetime, he composed music which is still performed on world stages. His works (symphonies, concertos, chamber works, operas, film music) are a continuation of the best traditions of Russian and Western music. They also reflect modern trends in music of the twentieth century. The unique style of his 15 symphonies is especially captivating. They will all be released in the series Dmitri Shostakovich – Symphonies, recorded by the Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Emil Tabakov.
The first program features the Fourth Symphony – “Shostakovich’s Heroic” as defined by musicologist Ivan Sollertinsky. The work had a difficult fate. Composed in 1935-36, followed by a number of unfulfilled premieres and a missing score, its premiere took place as late as in 1961 and was based on preserved orchestral parts. Since then, the symphony has been performed continuously around the world!