The BBC Philharmonic, under the baton of conductor John Storgårds, has released the latest installment in its Shostakovich series, featuring a juxtaposition of one of the composer’s most renowned symphonies with one of his lesser-known works. The Symphony No. 2, composed to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the October Revolution, offers a fascinating glimpse into the youthful exuberance of a 21-year-old Shostakovich, particularly in terms of his adventurous spirit in composition. The piece opens with several minutes of ethereal strings that create a vague, pitchless soundscape, resembling more of an auditory effect than conventional music. This gradually transitions into a dynamic and frenetic section, culminating in an exuberant chorus celebrating “October, the Commune and Lenin,” performed with enthusiasm by the CBSO Chorus, punctuated with exclamation marks throughout.

In contrast, Symphony No. 5, composed ten years later, showcases a markedly different character that could easily be mistaken for an entirely different composer. While Storgårds may not delve into the profound darkness that some interpretations evoke in the first movement, he effectively enhances the sound’s warmth as the harmonies shift towards a more optimistic tone. The third movement captivates with its sense of tranquility, while the finale builds tension through a series of subtle tempo increases, executed with precision. Although the performance does not aim for flamboyance, it remains impactful in its delivery.

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