San Francisco Symphony: My Classic Russian Favorites July 13, 2012

These sons of Russia - Shostakovich, Borodin, and Tchaikovsky - never lacked for color in their own lives, and their music is extraordinary. Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto and 1812 Overture are simply thrilling, and adored by listeners everywhere. Shostakovich's overture is everything an overture should be...bold brass fanfares, breakneck speed, and an infectious joy. Borodin's Polovtsian Dances is wild and passionate, and familiar to listeners as the music from Kismet.