Dmitri Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op. 47

20 June 2026

Background

Composed between April and July 1937.
First performed on 21 November 1937 in Leningrad by the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra under Yevgeny Mravinsky.
Well-received by Soviet official critics, after Shostakovich was severely attacked for his opera Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District.

Recordings

Symphonies

WDR Sinfonieorchester

Cond. Rudolf Barshai · Brilliant Classics

🏆 Radio 3 Building a Library (2008): Budget Choice

Symphony No. 5, Op. 47

The New York Philharmonic

Cond. Leonard Bernstein · Sony

Symphony No. 5, Adagio (Barber)

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

Cond. Manfred Honeck · Reference Recordings

🏆 Grammy Awards (2017): Best Engineered Album, Classical
🏆 Grammy Awards (2017): Best Orchestral Performance

Symphonies 4, 5 & 6

Oslo Philharmonic

Cond. Klaus Mäkelä · DECCA

🏆 Gramophone Magazine (2024)
🏆 Presto Recordings of the Year (2024): Finalist

Under Stalin's Shadow: Symphonies Nos. 5, 8, 9

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Cond. Andris Nelsons · Deutsche Grammophon

🏆 Grammy Awards (2016): Best Orchestral Performance
🏆 ECHO Klassik Awards (2017): Winner

Symphonies Nos 1–15

London Symphony Orchestra

Cond. Gianandrea Noseda · LSO Live

🏆 The Times (2025): Best Classical Box Sets Christmas

Symphonies Nos. 5 & 9

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Cond. Vasily Petrenko · NAXOS

🏆 Gramophone Magazine (2009): Editor's Choice

The Symphonies

BBC National Orchestra of Wales

Cond. Mark Wigglesworth · BIS

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