| Rachmaninov, Sergei (1873-1943) | Piano Concerto no. 4 in G minor, Op.40 (Original version) | |
| Shostakovich, Dmitri (1906-1975) | Symphony no. 4 in C minor, Op.43 |
| London Philharmonic Orchestra | |
| Vasily Petrenko | Conductor |
| Alexander Ghindin | Piano |
Vasily Petrenko contrasts Shostakovich with Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No.4 played by Alexander Ghindin.
By the mid-1930s the Soviet regime had positioned itself in direct opposition to Shostakovich's work. Yet during this period the composer gave birth to one of his most unusual symphonies. Deeply personal, Mahler-inspired sentiments were spiked by grotesque marches and gallops. Shostakovich knew he was headed for trouble and withdrew the piece before its premiere, only conceding at its eventual performance in 1961 that it 'stood much higher than my recent [symphonies]'.
The imposing Fourth Symphony is heard tonight after Rachmaninoff's exalted Fourth Piano Concerto, played in its original uncut version by the outstanding Alexander Ghindin.
Royal Festival Hall at 6.15pm - Free pre-concert event. Vasily Petrenko explores the impact of the composer Rachmaninoff on a Russian conductor.
