Classical Classroom, Episode 39: Conductor James Gaffigan on Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5

Summary: Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 is dramatic, cinematic, erratic, sarcastic, and full of existential longing - according to Chief Conductor of the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, James Gaffigan. Why is it important to listen to this symphony, the musical expression of Shostakovich's depression and anxiety as he lived under Stalin's thumb? Listen to this episode and find out!