Voices of Revolution: Russia 1917 Series Advisor Martin Sixsmith speaks to musicologist Marina Frolova-Walker about the different ways Soviet era composers navigated an increasingly volatile system, one that could be unpredictable, especially when it came to evaluating music. 

Profiling composers featured in the Philharmonia Orchestra's Royal Festival Hall concert on 22 March 2018, Sixsmith and Frolova-Walker explore how Sergei Prokofiev was lured back to Russia with flattery; how Alexander Mosolov ended up in the Gulag; and how Reinhold Glière managed to work the system to his advantage by producing beautiful, accessible music. 

Works discussed: 

Mosolov: Iron Foundry

Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 3

Glière: Concerto for Coloratura Soprano and Orchestra, The Red Poppy

Recorded live at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London.

Philharmonia Orchestra's 'Voices of Revolution' series continues in March 2018. https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/series/68/voices_of_revolution_russia_1917