D. Shostakovich. Symphony No. 12, "The Year 1917"

In the year marking the 120th anniversary of the birth of Dmitri Shostakovich, the St. Petersburg Governor’s Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Anton Lubchenko, presents one of the composer’s most ambitious scores.

"To write a symphony dedicated to the memory of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin has long been a cherished desire of mine. The idea for this symphony first occurred to me back in 1924, during the days of profound national mourning." Shostakovich wrote these words in 1940. He originally envisioned a work for orchestra, vocal soloists, and chorus, based on Vladimir Mayakovsky’s poem "Vladimir Ilyich Lenin" and incorporating lyrics from folk songs about Lenin. However, the programmatic concept of the work later evolved.

Shostakovich composed his Symphony No. 12, subtitled "The Year 1917," in 1961—a period of full artistic maturity. It serves as a musical and philosophical reflection on the Great October Revolution, a pivotal turning point in the destiny of Russia. Each movement of the symphony bears a specific title: "Revolutionary Petrograd," "Razliv," "Aurora," and "The Dawn of Humanity"—four "chapters" that together paint a grand, sweeping portrait of a bygone era.

The Symphony No. 12 premiered in Leningrad in 1961; yet, even decades later, the work continues to evoke a crucial chapter in the nation’s history, inviting deep and serious reflection.

This concert is part of the "Tchaikovsky: Reboot" festival, with Hans-Joachim Frey serving as its artistic director.

PROGRAM:

D. Shostakovich. Symphony No. 12 in D minor, "1917," Op. 112.

PERFORMERS:

St. Petersburg Gubernatorial Symphony Orchestra,

Conductor — Anton Lubchenko.

St. Petersburg, St. George Hall of the State Hermitage Museum, October 25, 2026