Shostakovich Symphony No. 10
When Josef Stalin died in 1953, Shostakovich could exhale at last. His tenth symphony had its premiere performance that same year. The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and Chief Conductor Sakari Oramo perform one of his most personal works.
About the video
- Filmed in October 2016.
- The video is approximately one hour.
Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10 premiered in December 1953 to immediate acclaim. The music is full to bursting with dramatic peaks, gorgeous melodies and palpable pain. Many have interpreted it as a reckoning with the political oppression he felt during the Stalin Era. He said himself that “the second movement, the scherzo, is a musical portrait of Stalin. The symphony also contains much more, of course, but that is the foundation.”
Among other things, he was referring to composing himself into the music by transcribing the letters of his name into German, and using the first letter of his first name and the first three letters of his surname, which become, in German musical notation, the notes D, Es, C, H. The notes are the base of one of the themes in the third movement. The name Elmira is also coded into the music. Elmira Nazirova was a young pianist and student to whom Shostakovich felt a powerful attraction. And even if the music is a reckoning with earlier political tyranny, it is nevertheless also filled with fiery passion.
-
The music
-
Dmitri Shostakovich Symphony No. 10
-
Participants
-
Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
-
Sakari Oramo conductor
Watch in our app
The Konserthuset Play app makes it easier to experience music on your phone or tablet – or on a big screen! Read more
FAQ about Konserthuset Play
Our tips for how to best take advantage of our selection and how you watch our livestreams. To FAQ
Do you want to make a donation to Konserthuset Play?
Make a swish payment to 123 493 99 89 or make your donation via our ticket system. Thank you!
Related videos
Related concerts
-
Genre: Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
A famous symphonic poem, a wild symphony and a cello concerto about megalomania.
Wednesday 10 May 2023 19.00 -
Genre: Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
A famous symphonic poem, a wild symphony and a cello concerto about megalomania.
Thursday 11 May 2023 19.00 Watch for free on Konserthuset Play -
Genre: Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Vocal music
Britten and Saariaho
Anu Komsi is the soloist and the orchestra is led by Conductor Laureate Sakari Oramo.
Thursday 28 September 2023 18.00 -
Genre: Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Vocal music
Britten and Saariaho
Anu Komsi is the soloist and the orchestra is led by Conductor Laureate Sakari Oramo.
Saturday 30 September 2023 15.00 -
Genre: Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
Sibelius’ seventh symphony
Conductor Laureate Sakari Oramo leads the orchestra and Johan Dalene is violin soloist in Nielsen.
Thursday 21 March 2024 18.00 -
Genre: Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
Sibelius’ seventh symphony
Conductor Laureate Sakari Oramo leads the orchestra and Johan Dalene is violin soloist in Nielsen.
Saturday 23 March 2024 15.00
