Residentie Orkest Shostakovich's Tenth

The Residentie Orkest two apparent extremes of the musical spectrum: the lighthearted, carefree nature of relatively young American music contrasted with Russian music, deeply rooted in the European tradition. But it’s not that simple. Shostakovich’sTenth Symphonysizzles with modernity, while Barber’sViolin Concertoevokes a romantic spirit.

Exactly when Shostakovich wrote hisTenth Symphonyremains shrouded in mystery. What is certain is that he was finally able to premiere the work without fear in late 1953, following Stalin’s death. The second movement presents a scathing portrait of Stalin. He no longer had to fear repercussions. Shostakovich was able to express himself freely.

The violin concerto that Samuel Barber wrote on commission from industrialist Samuel Fels for his adopted son Iso Briselli was a bit of a struggle. The first two movements were too easy and too romantic; the Last was too virtuosic and too difficult. Briselli never performed it in public. Violinist Paul Huang demonstrates that Briselli didn’t understand much of it and that Barber delivered a top-notch American concerto.