Symphonies Nos. 2, 3, 12 & 13.

This article discusses a recording of Dmitri Shostakovich's Symphonies Nos. 2, 3, 12, and 13 performed by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Andris Nelsons. The performances are described as riveting and superbly recorded, with a focus on the ravages of war and the shifting political convictions of Shostakovich. The article provides background information on each symphony, highlighting their experimental nature and their reflection of Soviet-style Communism. It also mentions the attacks on Shostakovich's music by the Russian Association of Proletarian Musicians and the denouncement of his music by the Supreme Soviet of the Russian Federation. The article concludes by praising the performance of Symphony No. 13, "Babi Yar," and the profound conviction and vocal mastery of bass-baritone Matthias Goerne. [Extracted from the article]