The London Philharmonic Orchestra's latest concert was aptly titled "A Dark Century," and it truly lived up to its name. The program was filled with works that carried a heavy message and a sense of urgency. One of the main highlights was Shostakovich's Symphony No 13, which was composed in response to Yevgeny Yevtushenko's 1961 poem commemorating the tragic events at Babi Yar. This symphony has become a lasting memorial to the atrocities that took place.

The Enduring Power of Shostakovich's Symphony

In this symphony, which consists of five movements, we witness a powerful denunciation of Russian antisemitism and a critical look at various aspects of Soviet life. The bass Alexander Roslavets was a wonderful interpreter, his velvety voice cutting through Shostakovich's spiky orchestration. He brought the angry first movement to life, making it feel both like ancient history and a current issue. The London Philharmonic Choir also made strong contributions, adding depth and emotion to the performance. While there were a few moments of shaky ensemble in the Humour movement, the orchestra, conducted by Andrey Boreyko, found its form and delivered a powerful performance.

The First Half: Uncompromising and Full-Length

The first half of the concert was equally uncompromising and full-length. In Schoenberg's A Survivor From Warsaw, Roslavets was a captivating speaking narrator, with the composer's dissonant music adding to the horror of the monologue. This was followed by music from Mieczyslaw Weinberg, a Polish refugee composer championed by Gidon Kremer. Kremer's sweet tone brought out the quieter lines in the music, giving the performance a mournful integrity. His encore was a solo Serenade by Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov, played with a haunting beauty.

The Impact of the Concert

This concert was not just a musical event; it was a powerful statement about history and humanity. The works performed had a profound impact on the audience, leaving them with a sense of awe and reflection. It reminded us of the importance of remembering the past and the need to continue fighting against injustice. The London Philharmonic Orchestra's dedication to these works and their ability to bring them to life is truly remarkable. It is an experience that will stay with the audience for a long time.