Shostakovich suggested that the first movement of his Symphony No. 15 represents a toyshop, and the entire symphony can be understood under the theme of birth to death.
Notable Performances
The UK premiere of Shostakovich's Twelfth Symphony took place at the 1962 Edinburgh Festival, attended by the composer himself.
Historical Context
Shostakovich accepted candidate membership of the Communist Party in 1960 and became a full member in 1961, which may have influenced the programmatic nature of his Twelfth Symphony.
Composer Biography
During the composition of his Symphony No. 15, Shostakovich was in failing health, suffering from a debilitating weakness of the limbs, two heart attacks, and acute eyestrain.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded using 24-bit / 96 kHz technology, which provides a dynamic range up to 48 dB greater and 256 times the resolution of standard 16-bit recordings.
Composition History
Shostakovich's Symphony No. 12, 'The Year 1917', was a project about Lenin that the composer had discussed and written about for many years, reportedly making sketches two decades earlier.
Composition History
Shostakovich composed his Symphony No. 15, his last symphony, entirely in July 1971 at a composers' rest home in Repino, near Leningrad.
