BBC Symphony Orchestra - Kabalevsky, Michael Zev Gordon, Shostakovich

Sakari Oramo conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican in an evening of Kabalevsky, Shostakovich's Tenth Symphony and the premiere of Michael Zev Gordon's Violin Concerto, with soloist Carolin Widmann.

Recorded on 3 February 2017.

Presented by Sara Mohr-Pietsch

19.30
Dmitri Kabalevsky: Colas Breugnon (Overture)
Michael Zev Gordon: Violin Concerto (BBC commission: world premiere)

20.00 Interval
Robert Schumann: Violin Sonata No.1 in a minor Op.105
Carolin Widmann (violin), Dénes Várjon (piano)

20.20
Dmitri Shostakovich: Symphony No 10 in E minor

Thrills and high drama are guaranteed with Kabalevsky's rip-roaring overture and Shostakovich's powerful Tenth Symphony, all conducted by the BBC Symphony Orchestra's Chief Conductor Sakari Oramo. Kabalevsky's piece, full of fizz and pop, is followed by a very different work, Michael Zev Gordon's new violin concerto - a work of rich lyrical power with bold contrasts of colour and expression - and performed here with the acclaimed German violinist Carolin Widmann.
Shostakovich's Tenth Symphony, a heartfelt cry for freedom written under the looming presence of Joseph Stalin, is one of the 20th century's most shattering symphonic experiences.