Karina Canellakis conducts Shostakovich 5

Conductor Karina Canellakis and the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra shed new light on Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony. With the hot breath of Stalin breathing down his neck, he composed one of his most accessible symphonies. In this enigmatic work, showy patriotism, furtive satire and fear of life go hand in hand.

Seduction tricks
Of Shostakovich's fifteen symphonies, the Fifth symphony is considered one of his most popular. In the four-movement work, the composer throws all his seduction skills into battle. He pulled out all the stops just to please Stalin and his cronies who had criticized his recent music. His response was this extremely personal symphony, as an ode to the struggling, persevering human being.

French master cellist
The Radio Philharmonic and Karina Canellakis don't stop at an ardent championing of Shostakovich's epic composition. They perform a gripping orchestral work by American Missy Mazzoli and put Haydn's First Cello Concerto in a stylish setting. None other than French master cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras casts his perceptive eye on the popular work.