Tag: Dmitri Shostakovich

Classical Music Timeline: 2000s

This is one of a series of postings of important classical music dates, from the 17th century to the present. Included are the date and location of the birth and death of composers, and the premiere date and location of the first public performance of works. When the premiere date and location is unknown, the date or year of completion of the work is given. Though reasonably comprehensive, this is a subjective list, so the choice of composers and works is mine. If you find any errors, or if you can offer a premiere date and location for a work where only the completion date or year is listed, please post a comment here.

2000
April 4 – Scenes from the Poet’s Dreams, for piano quintet, by Jennifer Higdon (1962-) was first performed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

April 27 – Symphony No. 8, “The Journey”, by Einojuhani Rautavaara (1929-2016) was first performed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

June 2 – Lepo Sumera (1950-2000) died in Tallinn, Estonia

June 21 – Alan Hovhaness (1911-2000) died in Seattle, Washington

2001
April 19 – Orphée Suite [transcribed for piano by Paul Barnes (1961-)] by Philip Glass (1937-) was first performed in New York, New York

May 12 – Viola Sonata [Cello Sonata, op. 40, arranged for viola by Annette Bartholdy (1972-)] by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) received its world premiere recording

2002
July 2 – Jean-Yves Daniel-Lesur (1908-2002) died in Paris, France

September – The full film score by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) for Scott of the Antarctic was released for the first time, on Chandos CD 10007. Musicologist Stephen Hogger (1962-) edited this film suite and it includes a significant amount of noteworthy music that was not used in the film nor in Sinfonia Antartica.

September 22 – Light Refracted by Jennifer Higdon (1962-) was first performed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2003
April 29 – Wild Swans, ballet by Elena Kats-Chernin (1957-) was first performed in Sydney, Australia

May 9 – Dreams of the Child of Light by Michael Mauldin (1947-) was first performed in Albuquerque, New Mexico

2004
Clytus Gottwald (1925-2023) completed Im Treibhaus (after Wagner), for unaccompanied chorus

July 21 – Jerry Goldsmith (1929-2004) died in Beverly Hills, California

November 12 – The Spirit and the Maiden, for violin, cello, and piano, by Elena Kats-Chernin (1957-) was first performed in Brisbane, Australia

2005
Valentin Silvestrov (1937-) completed Liturgical Chants, for SATB choir a cappella

January 21 – Kaljo Raid (1921-2005) died in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada

February 19 – Alma Deutscher (2005-) was born in Basingstoke, England

April 23 – Robert Farnon (1917-2005) died in Guernsey, Channel Islands

October – Symphony No. 1 (3rd and final version) by Einojuhani Rautavaara (1929-2016) was premiered via recording in Brussels, Belgium

December 17 – Trevor Duncan (1924-2005) died in Taunton, England

2006
Valentin Silvestrov (1937-) completed Two Christmas Lullabies, for SATB choir a cappella

Valentin Silvestrov (1937-) completed Two Sacred Songs, for SATB choir a cappella

Alla Pavlova (1952-) completed Symphony No. 5

Elisabetta Brusa (1954-) completed Merlin, Symphonic Poem

June 12 – György Ligeti (1923-2006) died in Vienna, Austria

September 23 – Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006) died in Norwich, England

2007
February 1 – Gian Carlo Menotti (1911-2007) died in Monte Carlo, Monaco

2009
April 10 – Richard Arnell (1917-2009) died in London, England

←1990s

2010s→

Classical Music Timeline: 1970s

This is one of a series of postings of important classical music dates, from the 17th century to the present. Included are the date and location of the birth and death of composers, and the premiere date and location of the first public performance of works. When the premiere date and location is unknown, the date or year of completion of the work is given. Though reasonably comprehensive, this is a subjective list, so the choice of composers and works is mine. If you find any errors, or if you can offer a premiere date and location for a work where only the completion date or year is listed, please post a comment here.

1970
June 4 – Two Pieces for cello and piano by Anton Webern (1883-1945) was first performed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

June 16 – Heino Eller (1887-1970) died in Tallinn, Estonia

July 4 – Sinfonietta for String Orchestra by William Alwyn (1905-1985) was first performed in Cheltenham, England

1971
February 8 – King Lear, with film score (op. 137) by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975), was released

March 1 – Thomas Adès (1971-) was born in London, England

April 6 – Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) died in New York, New York

1972
Robert Farnon (1917-2005) completed Colditz March

Einojuhani Rautavaara (1929-2016) completed Pelimannit (“The Fiddlers”), for string orchestra

Annette Bartholdy (1972-) was born in Bern, Switzerland

January 8 – Symphony No. 15 in A major, op. 141 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

March 2 – Sonata for String Orchestra by William Walton (1902-1983) was first performed in Perth, Australia

April 3 – Ferde Grofé (1892-1972) died in Santa Monica, California

October 5 – A Ring of Time by Dominick Argento (1927-2019) was first performed in Minneapolis, Minnesota

October 15 – Symphony No. 10 in F♯ major (Cooke II) by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) was first performed in London, England

October 16 – In memoriam (In memory of Heino Eller), for symphony orchestra by Lepo Sumera (1950-2000) was first performed in a radio broadcast

October 18 – Cantus Arcticus, Concerto for Birds and Orchestra, by Einojuhani Rautavaara (1929-2016) was first performed in Oulu, Finland

1973
Alan Hovhaness (1911-2000) completed Concerto for Harp and String Orchestra, op. 267

February 25 – Amanda Harberg (1973-) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

October 21 – Lera Auerbach (1973-) was born in Chelyabinsk, Russia

1974
February 15 – Kurt Atterberg (1887-1974) died in Stockholm, Sweden

April 12 – Snowflakes Are Dancing, with music by Claude Debussy as electronically realized by Isao Tomita (1932-2016), was released

November 15 – String Quartet No. 15 in E♭ minor, op. 144 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

1975
April – Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky as electronically realized by Isao Tomita (1932-2016) was released

May 18 – Leroy Anderson (1908-1975) died in Woodbury, Connecticut

August 9 – Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) died in Moscow, Russia

September 5 – Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun by Claude Debussy and Firebird Suite by Igor Stravinsky as electronically realized by Isao Tomita (1932-2016) was released

1976
May 12 – Piano Concerto No. 2 by Zara Levina (1906-1976) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

May 21 – Christopher Tin (1976-) was born in Palo Alto, California

June 27 – Zara Levina (1906-1976) died in Moscow, Russia

December 4 – Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) died in Aldeburgh, England

1977
Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) completed Sonatina para dos Muñecas (Sonatina for two Puppets), for piano four hands

March 14 – Gyula Dávid (1913-1977) died in Budapest, Hungary

May 25 – Star Wars, with film score by John Williams (1932-), was released

June – The Beatles Concerto, for two pianos and orchestra, by John Rutter (1945-) was first performed in London, England

June 30 – Music for Chamber Orchestra by Lepo Sumera (1950-2000) was first performed in Tallinn, Estonia

September 3 – Marjatta, Lowly Maiden, a Finnish Mystery Play, by Einojuhani Rautavaara (1929-2016) was first performed in Espoo, Finland

September 13 – Leopold Stokowski (1882-1977) died in Nether Wallop, Hampshire, England

October 23 – Piano Quartet by William Bolcom (1938-) was first performed in New York, New York

November 14 – Richard Addinsell (1904-1977) died in London, England

November 16 – Close Encounters of the Third Kind, with film score by John Williams (1932-), was released

1978
Hanget soi (“Singing Snow”), for children’s chorus, by Heikki Sarmanto (1939-) [Arranged by Auvo Sarmanto (1935-)] was published

January 29 – Peter Schickele (1935-2024) [P.D.Q. Bach] completed “Twelve Quite Heavenly Songs”

March 27 – A la busca del más allá “In search of the beyond” by Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was first performed in Houston, Texas

May 1 – Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978) died in Moscow, Russia

October 17 – Concierto pastoral, for flute and orchestra, by Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was first performed in London, England

December 3 – William Grant Still (1895-1978) died in Los Angeles, California

December 10 – Superman, with film score by John Williams (1932-), was released

1979
April 10 – Nino Rota (1911-1979) died in Rome, Italy

September 7 – Peter Schickele (1935-2024) [P.D.Q. Bach] completed “Liebeslieder Polkas”

October 1 – Roy Harris (1898-1979) died in Santa Monica, California

December 7 – Star Trek: The Motion Picture, with film score by Jerry Goldsmith (1929-2004), was released

December 30 – Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) died in New York, New York

←1960s

1980s→

Classical Music Timeline: 1960s

This is one of a series of postings of important classical music dates, from the 17th century to the present. Included are the date and location of the birth and death of composers, and the premiere date and location of the first public performance of works. When the premiere date and location is unknown, the date or year of completion of the work is given. Though reasonably comprehensive, this is a subjective list, so the choice of composers and works is mine. If you find any errors, or if you can offer a premiere date and location for a work where only the completion date or year is listed, please post a comment here.

1960
James Moody (1907-1995) completed Little Suite for Harmonica and Orchestra

February 9 – Ernst von Dohnányi (1877-1960) died in New York, New York

May 8 – Hugo Alfvén (1872-1960) died in Falun, Sweden

October 2 – String Quartet No. 8 in C minor, op. 110 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

October 30 – Alfred Hill (1869-1960) died in Sydney, Australia

1961
January 21 – Gloria by Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) was first performed in Boston, Massachusetts

February 20 – Percy Grainger (1882-1961) died in White Plains, New York

October 1 – Symphony No. 12 in D minor, op. 112, “The Year 1917” by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Samara, Russia

October 22 – Atmosphères by György Ligeti (1923-2006) was first performed in Donaueschingen, Germany

October 29 – Paul Barnes (1961-) was born in Lima, Ohio

December 30 – Symphony No. 4 in C minor, op. 43 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

1962
William Grant Still (1895-1978) completed Vignettes, for oboe, bassoon, and piano

Thomas Bloch [aka Johann Julius Sontag von Holt Sombach] (1962-) was born in Colmar, France

January 29 – Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962) died in New York, New York

December 31 – Jennifer Higdon (1962-) was born in Brooklyn, New York

1963
Timothy Brock (1963-) was born in the USA [date and location unknown]

January 30 – Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) died in Paris, France

March 8 – Variations on a Theme by Hindemith by William Walton (1902-1983) was first performed in London, England

October 3 – Violin Concerto, op. 30 by Alberto Ginastera (1916-1983) was first performed in New York, New York

December 28 – Paul Hindemith (1895-1963) died in Frankfurt am Main, Germany

1964
Nino Rota (1911-1979) completed 15 Preludes for piano

November 20 – String Quartet No. 9 in E♭ major, op. 117 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

November 20 – String Quartet No. 10 in A♭ major, op. 118 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

1965
March 14 – Requiem by György Ligeti (1923-2006) was first performed in Stockholm, Sweden

June 18 – George Melachrino (1909-1965) died in London, England

July 15 – Chichester Psalms by Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990), was first performed in New York, New York

1966
Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006) completed Four Cornish Dances, op. 91

January 20 – Ralph Greaves (1889-1966) died in Tonbridge, Kent, England

March 19 – Symphony No. 3, op. 57 by Ruth Gipps (1921-1999) was first performed in London, England

November 28 – Vittorio Giannini (1903-1966) died in New York, New York

1967
Rudolf Barshai (1924-2010) completed the arrangement of String Quartet No. 8 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975), approved by the composer, and known as the Chamber Symphony, op. 110a

March 6 – Zoltán Kodály (1882-1967) died in Budapest, Hungary

July 30 – Concierto Madrigal by Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was first performed in Los Angeles, California

October 22 – Lontano by György Ligeti (1923-2006) was first performed in Donaueschingen, Germany

November 18 – Concierto Andaluz by Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was first performed in San Antonio, Texas

1968
March 6 -Iša Krejčí (1904-1968) died in Prague, Czech Republic

March 16 – Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco (1895-1968) died in Beverly Hills, California

April 15 – Borys Lyatoshynsky (1895-1968) died in Kyiv, Ukraine

May 30 – Anadyomene (Adoration of Aphrodite) by Einojuhani Rautavaara (1929-2016) was first performed in Helsinki, Finland

1969
March 6 – Trombone Concerto in C major by Nino Rota (1911-1979) was first performed in Milan, Italy

September 29 – Symphony No. 14 in G minor, op. 135 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

←1950s

1970s→

Classical Music Timeline: 1950s

This is one of a series of postings of important classical music dates, from the 17th century to the present. Included are the date and location of the birth and death of composers, and the premiere date and location of the first public performance of works. When the premiere date and location is unknown, the date or year of completion of the work is given. Though reasonably comprehensive, this is a subjective list, so the choice of composers and works is mine. If you find any errors, or if you can offer a premiere date and location for a work where only the completion date or year is listed, please post a comment here.

1950
Gyula Dávid (1913-1977) completed the Viola Concerto

January 6 – Piano Concerto in C♯ minor, FP 146 by Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) was first performed in Boston, Massachusetts

March 1 – Cello Sonata in C major, op. 119 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

April 3 – Kurt Weill (1900-1950) died in New York, New York

May 8 – Lepo Sumera (1950-2000) was born in Tallinn, Estonia

May 22 – Four Last Songs by Richard Strauss (1864-1949) was first performed in London, England

August 8 – Nikolai Myaskovsky (1881-1950) died in Moscow, Russia

1951
Leroy Anderson (1908-1975) completed The Phantom Regiment

April 14 – English Dances, op. 27 by Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006) was first performed in London, England

June 23 – Three Shakespeare Songs (for a cappella SATB choir) by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in London, England

August 21 – Constant Lambert (1905-1951) died in London, England

October 23 – Symphony No. 3 in B minor by Borys Lyatoshynsky (1895-1968) was first performed in Kyiv, Ukraine

1952
January 26 – Taras Bulba, ballet in four acts, op. 92 by Reinhold Glière (1875-1956) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

May 3 – Romance in D♭ major for harmonica, string orchestra, and piano by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in New York, New York

July 13 – Alla Pavlova (1952-) was born in Vinnytsia, Ukraine

October 11 – Symphony No. 7 in C♯ minor, op. 131 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

December 23 – 24 Preludes and Fugues, for solo piano, op. 87 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

1953
Heino Eller (1887-1970) completed Five Pieces for String Orchestra

January 14 – Symphony No. 7, “Sinfonia Antartica”, by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in Manchester, England

March 5 – Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) died in Moscow, Russia

April 11 – Concerto Grosso No. 2 for string orchestra by Ernest Bloch (1880-1959) was first performed in London, England

August 22 – Soleriana by Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was first performed in Berlin, Germany

September 6 – Symphony No. 3 in B minor “Australia” by Alfred Hill (1869-1960) was first performed in Sydney, Australia

November 13 – String Quartet No. 5 in B♭ major, op. 92 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

December 17 – Symphony No. 10 in E minor, op. 93 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

1954
Leroy Anderson (1908-1975) completed The First Day of Spring

February 12 – The Stone Flower, ballet, op. 118 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

March 5 – Jack Stamp (1954-) was born in College Park, Maryland

April 3 – Elisabetta Brusa (1954-) was born in Milan, Italy

May 19 – Charles Ives (1874-1954) died in New York, New York

November 6 – Festive Overture in A major, op. 96 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

November 8 – Concertino in A minor for two pianos, op. 94 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

November 8 – Tarantella for Two Pianos by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

1955
January 15 – From Jewish Folk Poetry, op. 79 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) received its first public performance in Saint Petersburg, Russia

May 4 – George Enescu (1881-1955) died in Paris, France

October 29 – Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor, op. 77 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

October 31 – Symphony No. 2, “Mysterious Mountain”, op. 132 by Alan Hovhaness (1911-2000) was first performed in Houston, Texas

1956
April 30 – Sextet in B♭ for piano and winds, op. 6 by Gordon Jacob (1895-1984) was first performed in London, England

June 23 – Reinhold Glière (1875-1956) died in Moscow, Russia

August 30 – Aita Donostia (1886-1956) died in Lecároz, Navarre, Spain

September 5 – Piano Concerto No. 4 in B♭ major for the left hand, op. 53 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Berlin, Germany

October 17 – Symphony No. 4 in C major, op. 54 by Dmitry Kabalevsky (1904-1987) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

December 1 – Candide, operetta with music by Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990), was first performed in New York, New York

December 27 – Spartacus, ballet by Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

1957
Lars-Erik Larsson (1908-1986) completed Concertino for Clarinet and String Orchestra, op. 45, no. 3

Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006) completed Commonwealth Christmas Overture, op. 64

January 25 – Cello Concerto by William Walton (1902-1983) was first performed in Boston, Massachusetts

January 26 – Overture to Candide by Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) received its first concert performance in New York, New York

May 10 – Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, op. 102, (Piano Concerto No. 2) by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

June 18 – Sonata for Flute and Piano, FP 164 by Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) was first performed in Strasbourg, France

September 20 – Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) died in Järvenpää, Finland

September 26 – West Side Story, musical with music by Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990), was first performed in New York, New York

October 30 – Symphony No. 11 in G minor, “The Year 1905”, op. 103 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

November 4 – Joseph Canteloube (1879-1957) died in Grigny, France

November 4 – Elena Kats-Chernin (1957-) was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

November 29 – Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957) died in Los Angeles, California

1958
Vittorio Giannini (1903-1966) completed Symphony No. 3 for symphonic band

Alec Wilder (1907-1980) completed Woodwind Quintet No. 3

February 23 – Música para un jardín (Music for a garden), for orchestra, by Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was first performed in Valencia, Spain

March 5 – Fantasía para un gentilhombre, concerto for guitar and orchestra, by Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was first performed in San Francisco, California

August 21 – Stevan Hristić (1885-1958) died in Belgrade, Serbia

August 26 – Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) died in London, England

December 4 – Symphonie de danses by Jean-Yves Daniel-Lesur (1908-2002) was first performed in Paris, France

1959
Trevor Duncan (1924-2005) completed The Girl from Corsica

Veljo Tormis (1930-2017) completed Overture No. 2

February 12 – George Antheil (1900-1959) died in New York, New York

July 15 – Ernest Bloch (1880-1959) died in Portland, Oregon

August 26 – Symphony No. 4 by William Alwyn (1905-1985) was first performed in London, England

August 28 – Bohuslav Martinů (1890-1959) died in Liestal, Switzerland

November 16 – The Sound of Music, musical with music by Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) and lyrics by Oscar Hammarstein II (1895-1960) premiered in New York, New York

November 17 – Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959) died in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

←1940s

1960s→

Classical Music Timeline: 1940s

This is one of a series of postings of important classical music dates, from the 17th century to the present. Included are the date and location of the birth and death of composers, and the premiere date and location of the first public performance of works. When the premiere date and location is unknown, the date or year of completion of the work is given. Though reasonably comprehensive, this is a subjective list, so the choice of composers and works is mine. If you find any errors, or if you can offer a premiere date and location for a work where only the completion date or year is listed, please post a comment here.

1940
Dmitry Kabalevsky (1904-1987) completed The Comedians, op. 26

June 11 – Divertimento for string orchestra, Sz. 113 BB 118 by Béla Bartók (1881-1945) was first performed in Basel, Switzerland

July 1 – The Sea Hawk, with film score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957), was released

November 9 – Concierto de Aranjuez, for guitar and orchestra, by Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was first performed in Barcelona, Spain

November 16 – Violin Concerto in D minor by Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

December 3 – Leokadiya Kashperova (1872-1940) died in Moscow, Russia

December 9 – Sextet for Piano and Winds (1939 revision), FP 100 by Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) was first performed in Paris, France

December 26 – Symphony No. 4, “Folk Song Symphony”, by Roy Harris (1898-1979) was first performed in Cleveland, Ohio

1941
January 3 – Symphonic Dances, op. 45 by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) was first performed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

January 10 – Frank Bridge (1879-1941) died in Eastbourne, England

January 15 – Quatuor pour la Fin du Temps (“Quartet for the End of Time”) by Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992) was first first performed at Stalag VIII-A, a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp, Zgorzelec, Poland

February 7 – Violin Concerto, op. 14 by Samuel Barber (1910-1981) was first performed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 24 – King Lear, with incidental music (op. 58a) by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975), was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

April 17 – Adolphus Hailstork (1941-) was born in Rochester, New York

June 21 – Masquerade Suite by Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

June 26 – Warsaw Concerto by Richard Addinsell (1904-1977) premiered in the film Dangerous Moonlight

1942
Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) completed Song of the Brave, for tenor and piano, op. 89, no. 2

March 5 – Symphony No. 7, “Leningrad”, by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Samara, Russia (Kuybyshev at that time)

April 16 – Second Essay for Orchestra, op. 17 by Samuel Barber (1910-1981) was first performed in New York, New York

June 11 – Geoffrey Toye (1889-1942) died in London, England

June 18 – Paul McCartney (1942-) was born in Liverpool, England

December 4 – A Ceremony of Carols, op. 28 by Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) was first performed (in its final form) in London, England

December 9 – Gayane, ballet by Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978) was first performed in Perm, Russia

1943
March 12 – Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copland (1900-1990) was first performed in Cincinnati, Ohio

March 28 – Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) died in Beverly Hills, California

April 3 – Concierto heroico, for piano and orchestra, by Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was first performed in Lisbon, Portugal

June 24 – Symphony No. 5 in D major by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in London, England

November 4 – Symphony No. 8 in C minor, op. 65 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

December 7 – Flute Sonata in D major, op. 94 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

1944
January 20 – Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber by Paul Hindemith (1895-1963) was first performed in New York, New York

January 28 – Symphony No. 1, “Jeremiah”, by Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) was first performed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

April 16 – Concierto de estío, for violin and orchestra, by Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was first performed in Lisbon, Portugal

May 7 – Our Town, music from the film score, by Aaron Copland (1900-1990) was first performed in Boston, Massachusetts

May 8 – Ethel Smyth (1858-1944) died in Woking, England

June 7 – Gran Marcha de los Subsecretarios (“Grand March of the Subsecretaries”), for piano four hands, by Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was first performed in Madrid, Spain

July 31 – Percy Grainger (1882-1961) completed the orchestration of La Vallée des cloches (”Valley of the Bells”) from Miroirs by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)

August 31 – Symphony No. 1 by Kaljo Raid (1921-2005) was first performed in a radio broadcast from Tallinn, Estonia

October 5 – Suite from Der Rosenkavalier by Richard Strauss (1864-1949) and arranged by Artur Rodziński (1892-1958) was first performed in New York, New York

October 30 – Appalachian Spring, ballet by Aaron Copland (1900-1990) was first performed in Washington, D.C.

October 31 – Sebastian, ballet by Gian Carlo Menotti (1911-2007) was first performed in New York, New York

November 14 – Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor, op. 67 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

December 1 – Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116, BB 123 by Béla Bartók (1881-1945) was first performed in Boston, Massachusetts

December 27 – Amy Beach (1867-1944) died in New York, New York

December 30 – Piano Sonata No. 8 in B♭ major, op. 84 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

1945
January 13 – Symphony No. 5 in B♭ major, op. 100 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

March 14 – Piano Concerto No. 1 by Zara Levina (1906-1976) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

March 17 – Cello Concerto in C minor, op. 66 by Nikolai Myaskovsky (1881-1950) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

April 9 – Girl No. 217, with film score by Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978), was released

July 31 – The Story of a Flemish Farm, suite by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in London, England

August 2 – Emil von Reznicek (1860-1945) died in Berlin, Germany

September 15 – Anton Webern (1883-1945) died in Mittersill, Austria

September 24 – John Rutter (1945-) was born in London, England

September 26 – Béla Bartók (1881-1945) died in New York, New York

October 12 – Symphony No. 3, H. 299 by Bohuslav Martinů (1890-1959) was first performed in Boston, Massachusetts

November 3 – Symphony No. 9 in E♭ major, op. 70 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

November 21 – Cinderella, ballet, op. 87 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

November 30 – Symphony No. 4, H. 305 by Bohuslav Martinů (1890-1959) was first performed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

December 17 – À l’ombre de Torre Bermeja (“In the Shadow of the Crimson Tower”) by Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was first performed in Madrid, Spain

December 17 – A Stopwatch and an Ordnance Map, for male chorus, brass, and drums, op. 15 by Samuel Barber (1910-1981) was first performed in New York, New York

1946
Twenty-Four Preludes, op. 38 by Dmitry Kabalevsky (1904-1987) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

February 8 – Piano Concerto No. 3 in E major, Sz. 119, BB 127 by Béla Bartók (1881-1945) was first performed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 23 – Introduction and Fugue for Two Pianos by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in London, England

May 11 – The Unanswered Question (A Cosmic Landscape), for Trumpet, Flute Quartet, and String Orchestra, by Charles Ives (1874-1954) was first performed in New York, New York

October 16 – Granville Bantock (1868-1946) died in London, England

October 18 – Symphony No. 3 by Aaron Copland (1900-1990) was first performed in Boston, Massachusetts

October 23 – Violin Sonata No. 1 in F minor, op. 80 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

November 14 – Manuel de Falla (1876-1946) died in Alta Gracia, Argentina

November 27 – Cinco piezas infantiles (“Five children’s pieces”), for two pianos, by Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was first performed in Madrid, Spain

December 6 – Maximilian Steinberg (1883-1946) died in Saint Petersburg, Russia

1947
The Lake in the Mountains (piano) by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was published

January 8 – Piano Concerto, op. 44 by Richard Arnell (1917-2009) was first performed in New York, New York

February 15 – Violin Concerto in D major, op. 35 by Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957) was first performed in St. Louis, Missouri

February 15 – John Adams (1947-) was born in Worcester, Massachusetts

March 5 – Alfredo Casella (1883-1947) died in Rome, Italy

June 14 – Michael Mauldin (1947-) was born in Port Arthur, Texas

August 20 – Concerto for Bassoon and Strings with Percussion by Gordon Jacob (1895-1984) was first performed in London, England

October 23 – Starlight Roof Waltz by George Melachrino (1909-1965) was first performed in London, England

November 12 – Flourish, Mighty Land, cantata for chorus and orchestra, op. 114 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

November 29 – The Legend of Ohrid, ballet by Stevan Hristić (1885-1958) was first performed in Belgrade, Serbia

1948
William Grant Still (1895-1978) completed Miniatures, for flute, oboe, and piano

January 21 – Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari (1876-1948) died in Venice, Italy

February 10 – Symphony No. 6 “after Delacroix” by George Antheil (1900-1959) was first performed in San Francisco, California

April 21 – Symphony No. 6 in E minor by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in London, England

April 24 – Manuel Ponce (1882-1948) died in Mexico City, Mexico

April 28 – Orpheus, ballet by Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) was first performed in New York, New York

April 29 – Nicholas Ingman (1948-) was born in London, England

May 4 – Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson (1908-1975) was first performed in Boston, Massachusetts

June 27 – George Templeton Strong (1856-1948) died in Geneva, Switzerland

October 29 – Violin Concerto in C major, op. 48 by Dmitry Kabalevsky (1904-1987) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

October 30 – The Red Pony, suite from the film score, by Aaron Copland (1900-1990) was first performed in Houston, Texas

November 29 – Scott of the Antarctic with film score by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was released

1949
Clive Richardson (1909-1998) completed Beachcomber

Robert Farnon (1917-2005) completed How Beautiful is Night

January 14 – Joaquín Turina (1882-1949) died in Madrid, Spain

July 18 – Vítězslav Novák (1870-1949) died in Skuteč, Czech Republic

September 8 – Richard Strauss (1864-1949) died in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

September 11 – Henri Rabaud (1873-1949) died in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France

December 2 – Turangalîla-Symphonie by Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992) was first performed in Boston, Massachusetts

←1930s

1950s→

Classical Music Timeline: 1930s

This is one of a series of postings of important classical music dates, from the 17th century to the present. Included are the date and location of the birth and death of composers, and the premiere date and location of the first public performance of works. When the premiere date and location is unknown, the date or year of completion of the work is given. Though reasonably comprehensive, this is a subjective list, so the choice of composers and works is mine. If you find any errors, or if you can offer a premiere date and location for a work where only the completion date or year is listed, please post a comment here.

1930
August 7 – Veljo Tormis (1930-2017) was born in Kuusalu, Estonia

October 12 – La cathédrale engloutie (The Sunken Cathedral), from Préludes pour piano, Book 1, No. 10, by Claude Debussy (1862-1918) and orchestrated by Leopold Stokowski (1882-1977), was first performed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

October 14 – “I Got Rhythm” from Girl Crazy by George Gershwin (1898-1937) was first performed in New York, New York [lyrics by Ira Gershwin]

November 14 – Symphony No. 4, op. 47 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Boston, Massachusetts

November 28 – Symphony No. 2 in D♭ major, op. 30, “Romantic” by Howard Hanson (1896-1981) was first performed in Boston, Massachusetts

December 17 – Peter Warlock (1894-1930) died in London, England

1931
Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) completed Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite III, P 172

Percy Grainger (1882-1961) completed the orchestral version of Blithe Bells (Ramble on Bach’s “Sheep May Safely Graze”)

September 8 – A Choral Fantasia, op. 51 (H. 177) by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was first performed in Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England

October 3 – Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) died in Copenhagen, Denmark

November 13 – Five Études-tableaux, P 160 by Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) was first performed in Boston, Massachusetts [orchestrations of opp. 33 & 39 by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)]

November 22 – Grand Canyon Suite by Ferde Grofé (1892-1972) was first performed in Chicago, Illinois

December 2 – Vincent d’Indy (1851-1931) died in Paris, France

1932
February 8 – John Williams (1932-) was born in New York, New York

March 17 – La donna serpente, opera by Alfredo Casella (1883-1947) was first performed in Rome, Italy

April 2 – Symphony No. 9 by Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) was first performed in Munich, Germany

April 22 – Isao Tomita (1932-2016) was born in Tokyo, Japan

May – Piano Quartet in A minor, op. 67 by Joaquín Turina (1882-1949) was first performed (location unknown)

September 5 – Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra in D minor, FP 61 by Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) was first performed in Venice, Italy

September 8 – Magnificat, for contralto, women’s chorus, solo flute, and orchestra, by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in Worcester, England

1933
Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962) completed Cavatina

Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) completed Pastorale for Violin and Piano

Aita Donostia (1886-1956) completed Urruti-jaia [Festive Song], for chamber orchestra

January 23 – Piano Concerto No. 2 in G major, Sz. 95, BB 101 by Béla Bartók (1881-1945) was first performed in Frankfurt, Germany

February 1 – Piano Concerto in C major by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in London, England

April 9 – Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877-1933) died in Leipzig, Germany

May 13 – Chorale on a Theme of Hans Leo Hassler, for string orchestra, by George Templeton Strong (1856-1948) was first performed in Geneva, Switzerland

August 30 – Overture to The School for Scandal, op. 5 by Samuel Barber (1910-1981) was first performed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

October 10 – Gloria Coates (1933-2023) was born in Wausau, Wisconsin

October 15 – Concerto for Piano, Trumpet, and String Orchestra (Piano Concerto No. 1), op. 35 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

1934
January 22 – Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, op. 29, opera by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

February 23 – Edward Elgar (1857-1934) died in Worcester, Worcestershire, England

March 12 – Symphony “Mathis der Maler” by Paul Hindemith (1895-1963) was first performed in Berlin, Germany

March 21 – Franz Schreker (1878-1934) died in Berlin, Germany

March 24 – Brook Green Suite, for strings (H. 190) by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was first performed in London, England

March 24 – Suite for Jazz Orchestra No. 1 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

April 3 – The Haunted Ballroom, ballet by Geoffrey Toye (1889-1942) was first performed in London, England

May 25 – Gustav Holst (1874-1934) died in London, England

June 10 – Frederick Delius (1862-1934) died in Grez-sur-Loing, France

July 26 – Per la flor del lliri blau (For the flower of the blue lily), symphonic poem by Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was first performed in Valencia, Spain

September 27 – Fantasia on “Greensleeves” by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) and arranged for string orchestra and harp by Ralph Greaves (1889-1966) was first performed in London, England

November 7 – Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, in A minor, op. 43 by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) was first performed in Baltimore, Maryland

December 21 – Lieutenant Kijé, suite, op. 60 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Paris, France

December 25 – Cello Sonata in D minor, op. 40 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

December 31 – Egyptian Nights, symphonic suite, op. 61 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in a radio broadcast from Moscow, Russia

1935
William Grant Still (1895-1978) completed Summerland

January 28 – Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov (1859-1935) died in Moscow, Russia

March 10 – Auvo Sarmanto (1935-) was born in Helsinki, Finland

March 24 – Music for a Scene from Shelley, tone poem, op. 7 by Samuel Barber (1910-1981) was first performed in New York, New York

April 10 – Symphony No. 4 in F minor by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in London, England

May 17 – Paul Dukas (1865-1935) died in Paris, France

May 29 – Josef Suk (1874-1935) died in Benešov, Czech Republic

July 17 – Peter Schickele (1935-2024) was born in Ames, Iowa

September 30 – Porgy and Bess, opera by George Gershwin (1898-1937) was first performed in Boston, Massachusetts

November 6 – Symphony No. 1 in B♭ minor by William Walton (1902-1983) was first performed in London, England

December 1 – Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor, op. 63 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Madrid, Spain

December 4 – Johan Halvorsen (1864-1935) died in Oslo, Norway

1936
January 21 – Catfish Row (Suite from the opera Porgy and Bess) by George Gershwin (1898-1937) was first performed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

January 29 – Summer’s Last Will and Testament, cantata by Constant Lambert (1905-1951) was first performed in London, England

March 21 – Alexander Glazunov (1865-1936) died in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France

April 11 – Music for Children, for piano, op. 65 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

April 18 – Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) died in Rome, Italy

May 2 – Peter and the Wolf, a symphonic fairy tale for children, op. 67 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

May 10 – The Plow That Broke the Plains, with documentary film score by Virgil Thomson (1896-1989), received its public premiere in Washington, D.C.

July 22 – Krasimir Kyurkchiyski (1936-2011) was born in Troyan, Bulgaria

October 2 – Dona Nobis Pacem, cantata for soprano, baritone, chorus, and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England

October 28 – Carl Davis (1936-2023) was born in Brooklyn, New York

November 11 – Edward German (1862-1936) died in London, England

December 14 – String Quartet in B minor, op. 11 by Samuel Barber (1910-1981) was first performed in Rome, Italy

1937
Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) completed Four Marches for Military Band, op. 69

Iša Krejčí (1904-1968) completed Divertimento for Nonet

January 19 – Hollywood Suite by Ferde Grofé (1892-1972) was first performed in New York, New York

January 21 – Symphony No. 1 in One Movement, op. 9 by Samuel Barber (1910-1981) was first performed in Cleveland, Ohio

January 31 – Philip Glass (1937-) was born in Baltimore, Maryland

March 12 – Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937) died in Paris, France

March 29 – Karol Szymanowski (1882-1937) died in Lausanne, Switzerland

May 7 – “Walking the Dog (Promenade)” by George Gershwin (1898-1937) premiered in the film Shall We Dance. This may be the last instrumental composition by Gershwin.

May 8 – The Prince and the Pauper, with film score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957), was released

July 11 – George Gershwin (1898-1937) died in Los Angeles, California

July 12 – Piano Concerto in D♭ major, op. 38 by Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

September 30 – Valentin Silvestrov (1937-) was born in Kyiv, Ukraine

November 21 – Symphony No. 5 in D minor, op. 47 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

December 28 – Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) died in Paris, France

1938
Howard Hanson (1896-1981) completed Suite from Merry Mount

Cinco piezas del siglo XVI (Five Pieces of the Sixteenth Century), for piano, by Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was first performed in Zurich, Switzerland

January 5 – Songs of Our Days, cantata for mezzo-soprano and baritone soloists, chorus, and orchestra, op. 76 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

February 16 – John Corigliano (1938-) was born in New York, New York

February 22 – Colas Breugnon, opera, op. 24 by Dmitry Kabalevsky (1904-1987) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

May 26 – William Bolcom (1938-) was born in Seattle, Washington

October 5 – Serenade to Music in D major by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in London, England

October 19 – “September Song”, from Knickerbocker Holiday by Kurt Weill (1900-1950) was first performed in New York, New York

November 5 – Adagio for Strings in B♭ minor, op. 11a by Samuel Barber (1910-1981) was first performed in New York, New York

December 30 – Romeo and Juliet, ballet, op. 64 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Brno, Czech Republic

1939
Percy Grainger (1882-1961) completed “The Duke of Marlborough” Fanfare (BFMS No. 36)

February 2 – Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, op. 27 “Villageoise” by George Enescu (1881-1955) was first performed in New York, New York

March 9 – Cuatro piezas para piano by Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was first performed in Paris, France

March 23 – Boris Tishchenko (1939-2010) was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia

May 17 – Alexander Nevsky, cantata, op. 78 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

May 30 – Symphony in D major by Antonio Sarrier (1725-1762) was first performed in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico

June 2 – Enrique Fernández Arbós (1863-1939) died in San Sebastián, Spain

June 22 – Heikki Sarmanto (1939-) was born in Helsinki, Finland

October 16 – Ludolf Nielsen (1876-1939) died in Copenhagen, Denmark

November 5 – Symphony No. 6 in B minor, op. 54 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

December 7 – Violin Concerto by William Walton (1902-1983) was first performed in Cleveland, Ohio

December 21 – Zdravitsa, cantata for chorus and orchestra, op. 85 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

←1920s

1940s→

Classical Music Timeline: 1920s

This is one of a series of postings of important classical music dates, from the 17th century to the present. Included are the date and location of the birth and death of composers, and the premiere date and location of the first public performance of works. When the premiere date and location is unknown, the date or year of completion of the work is given. Though reasonably comprehensive, this is a subjective list, so the choice of composers and works is mine. If you find any errors, or if you can offer a premiere date and location for a work where only the completion date or year is listed, please post a comment here.

1920
February 28 – Le Tombeau de Couperin [“The Tomb of Couperin”] (orchestrated version) by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was first performed in Paris, France

March 25 – The Hymn of Jesus, op. 37 (H. 140) by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was first performed in London, England

April 8 – Charles Griffes (1884-1920) died in New York, New York

May 23 – Short Festival Te Deum, for mixed chorus and orchestra (H. 145) by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was first performed in London, England

June 20 – Three Tone-Pictures, op. 5 by Charles Griffes (1884-1920) was first performed in Greenwich, Connecticut

October 2 – Max Bruch (1838-1920) died in Berlin, Germany

1921
January 23 – The Three Miracles of Saint Cecilia, incidental music to the play by Henri Ghéon, by Aita Donostia (1886-1956) was first performed in Paris, France

January 30 – The Fog is Lifting, for flute and harp, op. 41, no. 2, by Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) was first performed in Copenhagen, Denmark

February 20 – Ruth Gipps (1921-1999) was born in Bexhill-on-Sea, England

March 4 – Kaljo Raid (1921-2005) was born in Tallinn, Estonia

September 27 – Engelbert Humperdinck (1854-1921) died in Neustrelitz, Germany

October 9 – Taras Bulba by Leoš Janáček (1854-1928) was first performed in Brno, Czech Republic

October 21 – Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006) was born in Northampton, Northamptonshire, England

December 1 – The Perfect Fool, ballet suite, op. 39 (H. 150) by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was first performed in London, England

December 16 – Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) died in Algiers, Algeria

December 16 – Piano Concerto No. 3 in C major, op. 26 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Chicago, Illinois

1922
January 26 – Symphony No. 3, “Pastoral”, by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in London, England

January 30 – Percy Grainger (1882-1961) completed Spoon River (AFMS No. 2) [elastic scoring]

February 25 – Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) was first performed in Paris, France

March 10 – Hans Sitt (1860-1922) died in Leipzig, Germany

May 20 – Daisies, in F major, op. 38, no. 3 (piano-only version) by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) was first performed in London, England

July 31 – Three Fantastic Dances, op. 5 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

October 6 – Ode to Death, op. 38 (H. 144) by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was first performed in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England

October 19 – Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky (1839-1881) as orchestrated by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937), was first performed in Paris, France

1923
Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) completed the Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite II, P 138

Joseph Canteloube (1879-1957) completed Baïlèro, Chants d’Auvergne, Series 1, No. 2

May 28 – György Ligeti (1923-2006) was born in Târnăveni, Romania

June 5 – Old King Cole, ballet by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in Cambridge, England

September 30 – Hassan, incidental music, by Frederick Delius (1862-1934) was first performed in London, England

October 18 – Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major, op. 19 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Paris, France

October 25 – Piano Trio No. 1 in C minor, op. 8 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia [published posthumously: last 22 bars of the piano part lost and completed by Boris Tishchenko (1939-2010)]

1924
January 17 – “The Man I Love” by George Gershwin (1898-1937) was first performed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania [lyrics by Ira Gershwin]

February 12 – Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin (1898-1937) was first performed in New York, New York

February 27 – Trevor Duncan (1924-2005) was born in London, England

May 8 – The revised version of Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, op. 16 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Paris, France

July 27 – Ferruccio Busoni (1866-1924) died in Berlin, Germany

September 14 – Ruralia hungarica, Five pieces for orchestra, op. 32b, by Ernst von Dohnányi (1877-1960) was first performed in Pécs, Hungary

September 28 – Rudolf Barshai (1924-2010) was born in Labinsk, Russia

November 4 – Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) died in Paris, France

November 29 – Skovvandring (“Woodland Ramble”), op. 40 by Ludolf Nielsen (1876-1939) was first performed in Copenhagen, Denmark

December 14 – The Pines of Rome, tone poem, P 141 by Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) was first performed in Rome, Italy

1925
Enrique Fernández Arbós (1863-1939) completed his orchestrations of five of the twelve piano pieces, Iberia, by Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909)

May 29 – Concerto Grosso No. 1 for String Orchestra with Piano Obbligato by Ernest Bloch (1880-1959) was first performed in Cleveland, Ohio

July 1 – Erik Satie (1866-1925) died in Paris, France

August 31 – Mississippi Suite by Ferde Grofé (1892-1972) was first performed in New York, New York

October 10 – Flos Campi, suite for solo viola, small chorus, and small orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in London, England

November 20 – Clytus Gottwald (1925-2023) was born in Szczawno-Zdrój, Poland

November 29 – The Love for Three Oranges, Suite, op. 33bis by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Paris, France

December 3 – Piano Concerto in F major by George Gershwin (1898-1937) was first performed in New York, New York

1926
Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) completed Zarabanda lejana (Distant Sarabande)

February 21 – Symphony in D minor by Adolphe Biarent (1871-1916) was first performed in Charleroi, Belgium

May 2 – Trio for Oboe, Bassoon, and Piano, FP 43 by Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) was first performed in Paris, France

May 7 – Sancta Civitas, oratorio for baritone, tenor, chorus, semi-chorus, distant chorus, and orchestra, by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in Oxford England

May 12 – Symphony No. 1 in F minor, op. 10 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

June 26 – Sinfonietta by Leoš Janáček (1854-1928) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

October – Peter Warlock (1894-1930) completed Capriol Suite

October 31 – Symphony No. 5 in F♯ minor, “Dance Symphony”, by Emil von Reznicek (1860-1945) was first performed in Vienna, Austria

November 1 – The Profound Life of Saint Francis of Assisi, incidental music to the play by Henri Ghéon, by Aita Donostia (1886-1956) was first performed in Paris, France

December 2 – Seven Part-Songs, op. 44 (H. 162) by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was first performed in London, England (Nos. 1-5)

December 26 – Tapiola, tone poem in B minor, op. 112 by Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) was first performed in New York, New York

1927
Alfred Hill (1869-1960) completed The Moon’s Golden Horn, poem for orchestra

Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962) completed Gypsy Caprice

Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) completed Three Botticelli Pictures, P 151

Manuel Ponce (1882-1948) completed Sonata III, for guitar

February 16 – Cinco piezas infantiles (Five children’s pieces), for orchestra, by Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was first performed in Valencia, Spain

March 24 – Háry János Suite, op. 35a by Zoltán Kodály (1882-1967) was first performed in Barcelona, Spain

June 7 – Le pas d’acier (“The Steel Step”), ballet, op. 41 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Paris, France

June 14 – The Red Poppy, ballet, op. 70 by Reinhold Glière (1875-1956) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

October 27 – Dominick Argento (1927-2019) was born in York, Pennsylvania

1928
Leoš Janáček (1854-1928) completed Schluck und Jau, incidental music

Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) completed Brazilian Impressions, P 153

February 12 – Egdon Heath, tone poem, op. 47 (H. 172) by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was first performed in New York, New York

June 12 – Gli uccelli (“The Birds”), P 154 by Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) was first performed in São Paulo, Brazil

August 12 – Leoš Janáček (1854-1928) died in Ostrava, Czech Republic

September 11 – String Quartet No. 2, “Intimate Letters”, by Leoš Janáček (1854-1928) was first performed in Brno, Czech Republic

October 9 – Einojuhani Rautavaara (1929-2016) was born in Helsinki, Finland

December 13 – An American in Paris by George Gershwin (1898-1937) was first performed in New York, New York

1929
January 11 – Stabat Mater, op. 53 by Karol Szymanowski (1882-1937) was first performed in Warsaw, Poland

February 10 – Jerry Goldsmith (1929-2004) was born in Los Angeles, California

February 21 – Roman Festivals, tone poem, P 157 by Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) was first performed in New York, New York

May 21 – L’enfant prodigue (“The Prodigal Son”), ballet, op. 46 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Paris, France

November 7 – Suite-Divertissement, for violin, viola, cello, and piano, by Alexandre Tansman (1897-1986) was first performed in Brussels, Belgium

←1910s

1930s→

Classical Music Timeline: 1900s

This is one of a series of postings of important classical music dates, from the 17th century to the present. Included are the date and location of the birth and death of composers, and the premiere date and location of the first public performance of works. When the premiere date and location is unknown, the date or year of completion of the work is given. Though reasonably comprehensive, this is a subjective list, so the choice of composers and works is mine. If you find any errors, or if you can offer a premiere date and location for a work where only the completion date or year is listed, please post a comment here.

1900
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) completed the final version of The Swan of Tuonela, op. 22, no. 3

Gustav Holst (1874-1934) completed “A Love Song” (No. 5) for SATB chorus, from Five part songs, op. 9a (H48) by this date

March 2 – Kurt Weill (1900-1950) was born in Dessau, Germany

April 7 – Piano Concerto in C♯ minor, op. 45, by Amy Beach (1867-1944) was first performed in Boston, Massachusetts

July 1 – Symphony No. 1 in E minor, op. 39, by Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) was first performed in Berlin, Germany

July 2 – Finlandia, op. 26, by Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) was first performed in Helsinki, Finland

July 8 – George Antheil (1900-1959) was born in Trenton, New Jersey

July 12 – Requiem in D minor, op. 48, by Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) was first performed in Paris, France

November 3 – The Tale of Tsar Saltan, opera, by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) was first performed in Moscow, Russia [O.S. October 21]

November 14 – Aaron Copland (1900-1990) was born in Brooklyn, New York

1901
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) completed The Snow is Falling, op. 1, no. 5, for children’s chorus and organ

January 27 – Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) died in Milan, Italy

February 3 – Pelléas et Mélisande Suite, op. 80, by Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) was first performed in Paris, France

February 7 – Pohádka (Fairy Tale), op. 16, by Josef Suk (1874-1935) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

March 31 – Rusalka, opera, op. 114, B203 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

September 14 – Chanson de Nuit, in G major, op. 15, no. 1, and Chanson de Matin, in G major, op. 15, no. 2 by Edward Elgar (1857-1934) were first performed in London, England

October 19 – Pomp and Circumstance, March No. 1 and March No. 2, by Edward Elgar (1857-1934) were first performed in Liverpool, England

October 27 – Three Nocturnes, L. 98, by Claude Debussy (1862-1918) was first performed in Paris, France

November 9 – Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, op. 18, by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) was first performed in Moscow, Russia [O.S. October 27]

November 22 – Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was born in Sagunto, Valencia, Spain

1902
Scott Joplin (1868-1917) completed “Elite Syncopations (piano)

Scott Joplin (1868-1917) completed “The Entertainer” (piano)

Josef Suk (1874-1935) completed Elegie (Under the Impression of Zeyer’s Vyšehrad), op. 23

March 29 – William Walton (1902-1983) was born in Oldham, England

April 5 – Pavane pour une infante défunte [“Pavane for a dead princess”] (piano version) by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was first performed in Paris, France

May 14 – Rest, for unaccompanied SSATB choir, by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in London, England

June 9 – Symphony No. 3 in D minor by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) was first performed in its entirety in Krefeld, Germany

June 28 – Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) was born in New York, New York

September 10 – The Witch of Atlas, Tone Poem for Orchestra No. 5, by Granville Bantock (1868-1946), was first performed in Worcester, England

1903
February 22 – Hugo Wolf (1860-1903) died in Vienna, Austria

February 23 – Préludes 1, 2, and 5 from 10 Preludes, op. 23 by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) were first performed in Moscow, Russia [O.S. February 10]

April 7 – Schwanensang (Swan Song), for chorus and orchestra, op. 11 by Franz Schreker (1878-1934) was first performed in Vienna, Austria

June 6 – Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978) was born in Kojori, Georgia

October 8 – Helios Overture, op. 17, by Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) was first performed in Copenhagen, Denmark

October 19 – Vittorio Giannini (1903-1966) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

November 10 – Symphony No. 2 in D major, op. 43, by Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) was first performed in Stockholm, Sweden

December 1 – Symphony No. 1 in B minor, op. 3 by Ludolf Nielsen (1876-1939) was first performed in Copenhagen, Denmark

1904
Erik Satie (1866-1925) completed Le Picadilly

Gustav Holst (1874-1934) completed “Thou didst delight my eyes” (SATB chorus, H58) by this date

January 13 – Richard Addinsell (1904-1977) was born in London, England

March 5 – String Quartet in F major by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was first performed in Paris, France

March 16 – In the South (Alassio), op. 50, by Edward Elgar (1857-1934) was first performed in London, England

March 25 – Armida, opera, op. 115, B206 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

March 30 – Koanga, opera, by Frederick Delius (1862-1934) was first performed in Wuppertal, Germany

May 1 – Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) died in Prague, Czech Republic

July 10 – Iša Krejčí (1904-1968) was born in Prague, Czech Republic

October 16 – Pan Voyevoda, opera by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia [O.S. October 3]

October 18 – Symphony No. 5 in C♯ minor by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) was first performed in Cologne, Germany

December 2 – Songs of Travel by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in London, England

December 30 – Dmitry Kabalevsky (1904-1987) was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia

1905
Claude Debussy (1862-1918) completed Suite bergamasque, L. 75

Scott Joplin (1868-1917) completed “Bethena, A Concert Waltz” (piano)

Ernst von Dohnányi (1877-1960) completed Winterreigen, op. 13

January 10 – Symphony No. 3 in C major “Singulière” by Franz Berwald (1796-1868) was first performed in Stockholm, Sweden

January 29 – Kindertotenlieder (“Songs on the Death of Children”), song cycle for voice and orchestra by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) was first performed in Vienna, Austria

January 29 – Rückert-Lieder (“Songs after Friedrich Rückert”), songs for voice and orchestra by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) was first performed in Vienna, Austria

April 18 – Fantastické Scherzo, op. 25 by Josef Suk (1874-1935) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

August 23 – Constant Lambert (1905-1951) was born in London, England

October 15 – La Mer, L. 109, by Claude Debussy (1862-1918) was first performed in Paris, France

October 19 – Violin Concerto in D minor, op. 47, by Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) was first performed in Berlin, Germany

November 7 – William Alwyn (1905-1985) was born in Northampton, England

December 9 – Dance of the Seven Veils, from Salome, opera by Richard Strauss (1864-1949) was first performed in Dresden, Germany

1906
Aita Donostia (1886-1956) completed Rapsodia Baskongada [Basque Rhapsody]

January 6 – Miroirs (“Mirrors”), for piano, by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was first performed in Paris, France

February 4 – Slovak Suite, op. 32 by Vítězslav Novák (1870-1949) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

February 5 – Zara Levina (1906-1976) was born in Simferopol, Ukraine [O.S. January 25]

March 7 – Konzertstück in D major, for cello and orchestra, op. 12, by Ernst von Dohnányi (1877-1960) was first performed in Budapest, Hungary

March 10 – Sonatine, for piano, by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was first performed in Lyon, France

April 5 – Lyric Suite, op. 54 (for orchestra) by Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) was first performed in Amsterdam, Netherlands

May 9 – Iberia, Book 1, by Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) was first performed in Paris, France

May 27 – Symphony No. 6 in A minor by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) was first performed in Essen, Germany

July 19 – Two Songs without Words, op. 22 (H. 88) by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was first performed in London, England

September 25 – Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia [O.S. September 12]

December 6 – Orchestral version of Dolly Suite, op. 56 by Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) was first performed in Monte Carlo, Monaco [orchestrated by Henri Rabaud (1873-1949)]

1907
February 3 – Symphony No. 2 in C minor, “Asrael Symphony”, op. 27, by Josef Suk (1874-1935) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

February 3 – Une barque sur l’océan [“A boat on the ocean”] (orchestrated version) by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was first performed in Paris, France

February 16 – Alec Wilder (1907-1980) was born in Rochester, New York

February 21 – “The Walk to the Paradise Garden”, from the opera A Village Romeo and Juliet, by Frederick Delius (1862-1934) was first performed in Berlin, Germany

February 22 – Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and Strings by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was first performed in Paris, France

September 4 – Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) died in Bergen, Norway

September 11 – Iberia, Book 2, by Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) was first performed in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France

November 14 – Fra Bjærgene (“From the Mountains”), op. 8 by Ludolf Nielsen (1876-1939) was first performed in Copenhagen, Denmark

November 17 – James Moody (1907-1995) was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland

1908
Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877-1933) completed Marche triomphale, “Nun danket alle Gott” op. 65, no. 59 (for organ)

January 2 – Iberia, Book 3, by Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) was first performed in Paris, France

January 23 – Edward MacDowell (1860-1908) died in New York, New York

February 8 – Symphony No. 2 in E minor, op. 27, by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia [O.S. January 26]

February 18 – Brigg Fair, An English Rhapsody, by Frederick Delius (1862-1934) was first performed in London, England

March 15 – Rapsodie espagnole by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was first performed in Paris, France

May 15 – Lars-Erik Larsson (1908-1986) was born in Åkarp, Sweden

June 21 – Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) died near Luga, Leningrad Oblast, Russia [O.S. June 8]

June 29 – Leroy Anderson (1908-1975) was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts

September 20 – Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908) died in Biarritz, France

October 18 – Drapa, op. 27, for Large Orchestra by Hugo Alfvén (1872-1960) was first performed in Stockholm, Sweden

October 19 – Geirr Tveitt (1908-1981) was born in Bergen, Norway

November 19 – Jean-Yves Daniel-Lesur (1908-2002) was born in Paris, France

December 10 – Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992) was born in Avignon, France

December 17 – Symphony No. 1 in B minor, op. 5 by Alfredo Casella (1883-1947) was first performed in Monte Carlo, Monaco

December 18 – Children’s Corner, L. 113 by Claude Debussy (1862-1918) was first performed in Paris, France

1909
January 9 – Gaspard de la nuit by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was first performed in Paris, France

February 9 – Iberia, Book 4, by Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) was first performed in Paris, France

February 21 – The Enchanted Lake, op. 62, by Anatoly Lyadov (1855-1914) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

February 22 – In the Fen Country, tone poem by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in London, England

March 14 – Symphonie concertante in B minor, for cello and orchestra, op. 8 by George Enescu (1881-1955) was first performed in Paris, France

May 1 – Isle of the Dead in A minor, op. 29, symphonic poem by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) was first performed in Moscow, Russia [O.S. April 18]

May 1 – George Melachrino (1909-1965) was born in London, England

May 18 – Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) died in Cambo-les-Bains, France

June 23 – Clive Richardson (1909-1998) was born in Paris, France

October 7 – Le Coq d’Or, opera by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) was first performed in Moscow, Russia [O.S. September 24]

November 28 – Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, op. 30, by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) was first performed in New York, New York

December 12 – Kikimora, op. 63, tone poem by Anatoly Lyadov (1855-1914) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

December 15 – Francisco Tárrega (1852-1909) died in Barcelona, Spain

December 18 – Octet for Double String Quartet in C major, op. 7, by George Enescu (1881-1955) was first performed in Paris, France

←1890s

1910s→

Shostakovich Piano Concertos

I’d like to introduce you to another fine classical music recording I’ve recently discovered, but first a little editorializing about classical recordings in general.

I hope the day never comes when physical media in the form of compact discs (or something similar) is completely replaced by digital downloads or streaming. The booklet enclosed with physical media always provides useful and often enlightening information about the music, and there’s artistry on the front and back covers. Having been in COVID-19 lockdown for nearly a year now, I yearn for real human interaction without technology instead of “virtual everything”. And I say that as a person who has made his career as a computer programmer. What does that have to do with music on a CD? Well, perhaps I’ve digressed, but let me just say a recording is a poor substitute for a live performance, and a digital file is a poor substitute for a CD. Happily, I have read recently that classical music is keeping the CD alive as popular music largely goes the way of the computer file. As for CD packaging, I much prefer a well-made jewel case (with a hub whose teeth don’t break off easily) over the cardboard digipak that is seeing more frequent use, including the Shostakovich disc I will be briefly discussing here.

I much prefer discs that feature works of just one composer. Not only are they more easily filed and retrieved, but, more importantly, they often introduce you to some lesser-known works of a composer. Something I have learned over my many years of listening to classical music recordings is that there are many first-rate lesser-known works of composers, both famous and not-so-famous. There is a lot of great music out there, waiting to be discovered and enjoyed, even after a lifetime of listening!

This disc featuring Russian pianist Anna Vinnitskaya (who now lives in Germany) is one such happy occasion. It features the two piano concertos of Dmitri Shostakovich (himself a fine pianist), plus two of his lesser-known works for two pianos (joined here by Ivan Rudin), Concertino for Two Pianos, op. 94, and Tarantella for Two Pianos, both of which were unknown to me. An all-Shostakovich disc!

Alpha Classics 203

This disc is a delight from beginning to end. Anna Vinnitskaya plays Shostakovich as well as anyone I have heard, with great intensity, energy, and precision during the rhythmic passages, and with great beauty and sensitivity during the legato passages. The Kremerata Baltica is really outstanding in the two piano concertos, as is the quality of the recording. The latter is much above average, I would say, perfectly balanced and articulated. Vinnitskaya herself conducts the orchestra from the piano in the Concerto for Piano, Trumpet and Strings, op. 35, where she is joined by a fine trumpet soloist, Tobias Willmer. Omer Meir Wellber skillfully conducts the orchestra in the Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, op. 102, and the Kremerata Baltica is joined by the Winds of the Staatskapelle Dresden in a perfect union and performance.

Anna Vinnitskaya grew up with the music of Shostakovich in her household, and developed an early and deep appreciation of his music and it shows throughout this recording. She performed his Second Piano Concerto for the first time at the age of eleven, and now at age 37, I have no doubt she is one of the finest performers of the piano music of Shostakovich in the world today. I hope I will have the opportunity to hear her play either of the Shostakovich piano concertos in the concert hall one day soon. Or any other piano works by Shostakovich, for that matter!

One thing I have become acutely aware of after decades of listening to classical music is the enormous difference there can be between live performances or recordings of the same work. Tempo can be one obvious difference. I tend not to like music that is on the fast end of the tempo continuum for a given work—I like to “savor” the notes. But anything as complex and nuanced as an orchestral palette can lend itself to many different interpretations. Yes, the notes are the same, but how a piece is played can make the difference between enthusiasm for the work or complete indifference.

Prokofiev’s Last Symphony

Photograph of Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) Russian composer, pianist, and conductor. Dated 1950.

Sergei Prokofiev was truly one of the most remarkable composers of the 20th century. His signature disjunct melodies and quirky, perky compositional style is so interesting and unique that his music is instantly recognizable, even today. When critics complain that the wellspring of current musical idioms has become exhausted or derivative, along comes a composer like Prokofiev who surprises everyone and does something completely different. That is why I believe that even within established musical forms it is possible to invent something completely new and exciting—it just doesn’t happen very often.

Regrettably, no English-language documentary about the life and music of Prokofiev has ever been produced. While we wait for someone to do that, perhaps Robert Greenberg might add another excellent installment to his “Great Masters” series for The Great Courses by profiling Sergei Prokofiev in eight 30-minute episodes as he did for Shostakovich, Brahms, and others.

Sergei Prokofiev composed his last completed work, the Symphony No. 7, between December 1951 and July 1952 at the age of 60-61. Its first public performance in Moscow on October 11, 1952 would be the last public performance Prokofiev would attend. He died less than five months later.

Dmitri Shostakovich attended the premiere, and quickly sent a letter of congratulations to Prokofiev, “I wish you at least another hundred years to live and create. Listening to such works as your Seventh Symphony makes it much easier and more joyful to live.” Shostakovich would attend Prokofiev’s funeral in March 1953.

Iconic photo of the three greatest 20th-century Soviet composers, together. Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953), Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975), and Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978). Dated 1940.

The most inspired recording I have ever heard of Prokofiev’s Seventh Symphony is by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra with Andrew Litton conducting. Even though I was already familiar with this work, listening to this performance was like hearing the work for the first time. This interpretation is intimate and compelling.

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The last years of Prokofiev’s life were difficult ones. His health was deteriorating and Stalin’s terrible regime was a constant threat and source of anxiety. Official disapproval had led to a life of poverty for Prokofiev.

With that as a backdrop, Prokofiev was eager that his new symphony would be well received by the authorities as well as the public, hoping that it would earn him a First Class Stalin Prize—he needed the money. But like Shostakovich, Prokofiev took his symphonies seriously, pouring his heart and soul into them while cleverly embedding what he wanted to say musically in a way that would elude the authorities with their limited musical sophistication and intelligence.

Prokofiev even wrote two endings for the symphony. The “real” ending and a contrived ending to please the authorities and help him win the prize. (He did not win the hoped for Stalin Prize, but he was posthumously awarded the Lenin Prize for this symphony in 1957.)

Prokofiev told his friend, the young cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, “Slava, you will live much longer than me, and you must take care that this new ending never exists after me.” As Andrew Huth writes in the liner notes, “Both versions of the ending are included on this disc so that listeners can judge the very different effect each makes.” Track 9 is the final movement of Symphony No. 7 played again with the alternative ending that Prokofiev wrote to please the authorities.

Mstislav Rostropovich (1927-2007) with Sergei Prokofiev