PHOTO: (C) ANA TENA

Written in 1971, Shostakovich’s 15th Symphony completes a corpus of symphonies that left an indelible mark on the music of the 20th century. Enigmatic and allusive, filled with bitterness but also humor, it makes constant references to earlier works both by the composer himself and by others—from Rossini to Wagner. Its distinctive orchestral writing lends itself perfectly to its transcription for chamber ensemble.

The Symphony is framed by two works of Alfred Schnittke, the composer who carried the spiritual torch from Shostakovich. The music of the two great creators is bound by a deep, elective affinity. Lebenslauf (Curriculum Vitae), composed in 1982, equally enigmatic and allusive, seems to open the curtain for the Symphony that follows. The concert concludes with the Praeludium in Memoriam DSCH, written in 1975 upon hearing of Shostakovich’s death.

In an intimate chamber atmosphere, distinguished Greek musicians delve into these introspective works, exploring the depths of the soul of two composers who shaped the music of our time.

PROGRAMME

ALFRED SCHNITTKE
Lebenslauf (Curriculum Vitae), for four metronomes, piano and three percussion soloists

DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH
Symphony No. 15 (transcription for piano trio and three percussion soloists)

ALFRED SCHNITTKE
Praeludium “In memoriam DSCH”, for solo violin

PARTICIPANTS

PIANO, CELESTA | YORGOS ZIAVRAS

VIOLIN | KATERINA CHATZINIKOLAU

CELLO | NIKOLAS PREVEZIANOS

PERCUSSION | MARINOS TRANOUDAKIS, PANAGIOTIS ZIAVRAS, MARIOS NIKOLAOU

CONDUCTOR | YORGOS ZIAVRAS