Dmitri Shostakovich - Symphonies Nos. 6 & 9 (Daniel Raiskin)

Information

Composer: Dmitri Shostakovich

• Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 54
• Symphony No. 9 in E-Flat Major, Op. 70

Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra

Daniel Raiskin, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Challenge Classics

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The recording brings together contrasting yet interconnected interpretations of Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 6 and Symphony No. 9, performed by the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra under Daniel Raiskin. The Sixth Symphony is presented as a profound response to the oppression and psychological terror of its time, moving from mournful introspection to unsettling irony. In contrast, the Ninth Symphony emerges as a compact, witty, and deceptively light work, blending classical restraint with underlying tension and historical reflection. Together, the performances highlight Shostakovich’s dual expressive language—where tragedy and irony coexist—offering a nuanced portrait of resilience, coded protest, and human complexity shaped by the pressures of the 20th century.

Daniel Raiskin is a St. Petersburg–born conductor known for his distinctive artistic profile and wide-ranging repertoire beyond the mainstream. Trained initially as a violist, he studied in Amsterdam and Freiburg and was further influenced by prominent mentors including Mariss Jansons and Jorma Panula, before turning fully to conducting. He currently serves as Principal Conductor of the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Music Director of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, and Principal Guest Conductor of the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra. Raiskin has appeared with leading orchestras worldwide and is noted for his work in opera and youth orchestras. His recordings, including acclaimed Shostakovich symphonies and Mahler works, have received strong critical recognition and awards, reflecting his commitment to both canonical and lesser-performed repertoire.

High Resolution 24-bit / 96 kHz