shostakovich-leningrad

Troubles, brewing

  • 3 May, 2013
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This month sees the much awaited release of the next installment in the cycle of Shostakovich symphonies recorded by Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (Naxos 8.573057). The historical baggage carried by the Seventh Symphony, Leningrad, is well … Read More →

Shostakovich Symphonies Nos 1 & 3

Podcast: Vasily Petrenko talks to Edward Seckerson about his Shostakovich recording of Symphonies 1 & 3

The latest instalment in Vasily Petrenko’s highly acclaimed cycle of the Shostakovich symphonies offers a telling flashback to the composer’s youth. Symphony No.1 – his sensational symphonic debut – is, according to Petrenko, a whistle-stop tour through revolutionary Petrograd with … Read More →

Shostakovich Symphony No 8

Podcast: Vasily Petrenko talks to Edward Seckerson about his Shostakovich recording of Symphony No 8

The charismatic St Petersburg-born Vasily Petrenko has really been turning things around at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra since he took over as Principal Conductor in 2005. With both standards and audiences on the up he has embarked upon his … Read More →

Part II: Cello in the Sun: Целло ин тхе сун – St. Petersburg 2009

Here is the continuation of Sean Hickey’s recording experience in Russia. Next morning: full dress rehearsal at the Palace goes surprisingly well. The final movement is still challenging. A fast 3/8 flourish that begins the movement still sounds sloppy and … Read More →

Part I: Cello in the Sun: Целло ин тхе сун – Ст. Петерсбург 2009

At Naxos, we are fortunate to have a very eclectic group! Our National Business Developer for the USA, Sean Hickey, is not only a great salesman, but first and foremost a talented composer. Here he recounts his experience with his … Read More →