The two works on this CD have in common that they were composed in 1936. However, Shostakovich had to wait until 1960 to perform his symphony because he was afraid of problems with politics. The symphony is written for a large orchestra and paints a picture of the Soviet Union in the 1930s and the isolation of Shostakovich himself. Benjamin Britten used a theme from a proletarian, revolutionary song
… for his composition "Russian funeral". Shostakovich would later use this theme again in his 11th symphony. Both works are performed on this CD by the City of Birmingham Orchestra conducted by Simon Rattle.more
