Symphony No. 11 in G minor, The Year 1905
Dmitri Shostakovich
Work background
Researched classical background
Shostakovich's Eleventh connects four movements depicting the atmosphere and violence surrounding the events of January 1905 in St Petersburg. Revolutionary songs provide recognizable material within the orchestral narrative. A quiet palace-square opening is transformed by later upheaval, while the ending includes an alarm-like bell. Broader political interpretations exist, but the stated historical programme remains the secure starting point.
Inspiration and creative background
The symphony's named programme concerns the 1905 revolution and the Bloody Sunday massacre.
Los Angeles Philharmonic: Shostakovich The Year 1905
Historical programme, revolutionary songs and interpretation limits | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Notice how revolutionary song material changes context and listen for the final alarm bell.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1957
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: The Year 1905
Date, title and version notes
Connections to the 1956 Hungarian uprising are interpretive and are not treated as a complete documented programme.
Los Angeles Philharmonic: Shostakovich The Year 1905
Historical programme, revolutionary songs and interpretation limits | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Boosey & Hawkes / Sikorski: Shostakovich chronological work list
Work dates, opuses, keys, voices and revision information | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Los Angeles Philharmonic: Shostakovich The Year 1905
Historical programme, revolutionary songs and interpretation limits | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Boosey & Hawkes / Sikorski: Shostakovich chronological work list
Work dates, opuses, keys, voices and revision information | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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