Shostakovich’s Fourth Symphony

Caught up in the shifting political currents of Stalinist Russia, Shostakovich was forced to cancel the 1936 premiere of his Fourth Symphony—and it would be 25 years before the work was heard. Shostakovich described it at one point as “a monumental, programmatic piece of great ideas and great passions.” Big and bold, it’s the perfect showcase for conductor Tugan Sokhiev, acclaimed for his “imposing, powerful” performances.