The New Babylon

"New Babylon" is Shostakovich's first film score, and is full of the composer's characteristically witty - and occasionally dark - musical style. The score was written quickly in 1928/9 and is tightly tied to the images in the film, at times violent, and at times lyrical and passionate. Its vivid and masterfully orchestrated music includes quotations from 'La Marseillaise' and ebullient can-cans in the style of Offenbach.

After its completion the score was largely ignored in the West for many years before resurfacing in 2001. This performance by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, recorded at Glasgow's City Halls in 2006, accompanied a screening of the film as part of that year's Merchant City Festival and was conducted by Ilan Volkov.

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Ilan Volkov (conductor).