Shostakovich's 5th Symphony

In Stalin’s Russia, music could be a matter of life and death. Written under intense political scrutiny, Shostakovich risked everything with his Fifth Symphony. At its premiere, audiences were moved to tears before erupting into applause. Part defiance, part survival, it is one of the most gripping and emotionally powerful works in the orchestral repertoire, and the climax of this evening's programme, performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

The programme opens with Stokowski’s luminous orchestral arrangement of Bach’s Komm, süsser Tod, setting the scene for this evening of music filled with shadows, drama and extraordinary emotional depth. That's followed by Schnittke’s haunting Viola Concerto: a powerful work also shaped by life behind the Iron Curtain, and performed by the outstanding Lawrence Power.

Recorded earlier this month at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, and presented by Steven Broad.

J.S. Bach arr. Stokowski: Komm, süsser Tod
Schnittke: Viola Concerto
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5

Lawrence Power (viola)
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Patrick Hahn (conductor)

To listen on most smart speakers, just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert."