BBC NOW, Sondergard. Mosolov, Beethoven, Shostakovich

Live from St David's Hall, Cardiff
Presented by Nicola Heywood-Thomas

Mosolov: The Iron foundry [Zavod] Op.19
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No 5 in E flat major, Op.73 (Emperor)

c. 8.10pm Interval

c. 8.35pm Shostakovich: Symphony No 12 in D minor Op.112 (The Year 1917)

Igor Levit (piano)
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Thomas Søndergård (conductor)

Igor Levit joins the BBC NOW in Beethoven's 5th Piano Concerto, plus Thomas Søndergård conducts Shostakovich's Symphony No 12 as part of the Russian Revolution centenary season in Wales. The fearsome machines and indomitable spirit of the workers in Mosolov's ballet score give a dramatic opening to the programme. Shostakovich's symphony follows suit with an unusually patriotic depiction of Lenin's life, commissioned by the Communist Party to honour the revolution. Beethoven's 'Emperor' concerto also continues the grand theme, with his noblest score since his 'Eroica'.