Rachmaninov’s The Bells and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 combine in an all-Russian programme from Sir Mark Elder and the Hallé.

Rachmaninov’s The Bells opens this all-Russian programme from Sir Mark Elder and the Hallé. Based on an Edgar Allan Poe poem, this magnificent choral symphony blends gothic drama with mystical intensity, haunted by the tolling of the Dies irae chant. Fear of death also lurks beneath the triumphant fanfares and jollity of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 – the composer’s attempt to satisfy Stalin and the Soviet regime after his career-riskingly provocative opera The Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District.