Following the success of his Fifth Symphony, all eyes were on Shostakovich to create a work that would measure up to its predecessor. The Sixth was originally intended as an immense musical monument to Lenin, to be woven with heroic melodies and folk songs. Instead his audiences were surprised to hear a quite different result—a contemplative, restrained first movement that morphs puzzlingly into a ferocious ending.
The Fifteenth is another of Shostakovich’s musical enigmas, with inexplicable quotes from music by Rossini, Glinka and Wagner dotted throughout, alongside references to his own music from his younger years. Written in 1970–71 when the composer’s health was declining, this final symphony is one of fond reflection.
Symphony No. 15 in A Major, Op. 141 1. I. Allegretto 2. II. Adagio – Largo – Adagio – Largo 3. III. Allegretto 4. IV. Adagio – Allegretto – Adagio – Allegretto
Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 54 5. I. Largo 6. II. Allegro 7. III. Presto
Together these unconventional works showcase Shostakovich’s range as a composer—from wild exuberance to quiet introspection.
