Shostakovich's 6th symphony was composed in 1939, when the composer was still living by the mercy of Stalin. The previous 3 tumultuous years had seen Shostakovich denounced and threatened in 1936, and dramatically, but not officially, restored with the wildly successful 5th symphony in 1937. These years still left Shostakovich deeply traumatized and disillusioned for the rest of his life. The 6th symphony is a very unusual work to come from this time, and very different from his previous symphonies. It is in 3 movements, laid out unusually, with a long slow 1st movement of haunting and gloomy lyricism, followed by two much shorter movements that stand in complete contrast, full of brilliant and vibrant orchestration and almost manic cheerfulness. It received mostly, though only mildly negative reactions from friends and official bureaucrats confused by its idiosyncrasies. Though I believe it proves Shostakovich's own conviction and confidence in his compositions. It is a masterpiece.
Today we hear Leonard Bernstein conducting again, in a 1987 live recording with the Vienna Philharmonic.
Listen to the earlier shows in the series:
1st symphony
http://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/105/30605.html
Symphonies 2 & 3
http://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/105/31205.html
4th Symphony
http://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/105/31701.html
5th Symphony
http://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/105/31914.html
Symphony No. 6 in b minor Op. 54 Dmitri Shostakovich/Vienna Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein - Symphonies No. 6 and 9 - Deutsche Grammophon |
Rag Madhuwanti: Drut Gaat in Teentaal Vishwa Mohan Bhatt & Subhen Chatterjee - Moments - Dreamz Movies and Entertainment |
Ysabel's Table Dance (alternate take) Charles Mingus - New Tijuana Moods - RCA |
Reactionary Tango parts 1/2/3 Carla Bley & Steve Swallow - Duets - ECM |
The New and the Ancient The Master Musicians of Jajouka led by Bachir Attar with Bill Laswell and Material - Apocalypse Live - M.O.D. Technologies |
Oyayeyo Siama Matuzungidi - Rivers - Independent |
My apologies for the late start!
2:16 PM, May 18th, 2017