Dmitri Shostakovich - Symphonies Nos. 1 & 3; Scherzos (John Storgårds)

Information

Composer: Dmitri Shostakovich

• Scherzo, Op. 1
• Scherzo, Op. 7
• Symphony No. 1, Op. 10
• Symphony No. 3, Op. 20 'The First of May'

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

John Storgårds, conductor

Date: 2025

Label: Chandos

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In the fifth volume of his Shostakovich symphony cycle, John Storgårds explores some of the composer’s earliest orchestral works, largely written during his student years. The orchestral scherzo, a common composition exercise, appears prominently, showcasing Shostakovich’s developing skill though not yet his mature voice. Both scherzos foreshadow elements of his First Symphony, composed as his graduation piece and an instant Soviet success. His Third Symphony, written four years later, reflects his rapid artistic growth and the shifting political climate. Submitted as a celebration of “peaceful construction” during Stalin’s first Five-Year Plan, it reveals Shostakovich’s early awareness of the need for political alignment in his work.

John Storgårds (b. 1963), a Finnish conductor, composer, and violinist, studied violin with Esther Rautio, Jouko Ignatius, and Chaim Taub, conducting with Jorma Panula, Eri Klas, and others, and composition with Einojuhani Rautavaara. He began as a violinist and concertmaster before becoming artistic director of the Lapland Chamber Orchestra in 1996, elevating it to European prominence. Known for innovative programming as Chief Conductor of the Helsinki Philharmonic (2008–2015), he later became Chief Guest Conductor of the BBC Philharmonic and Ottawa National Arts Centre Orchestra. Storgårds has guest-conducted major orchestras worldwide, performed at the BBC Proms, and conducted acclaimed opera productions, including the 2017 premiere of Höstsonaten.

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