Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No 2

Available for 27 days

It's the FIFA World Cup opening weekend, and Sara Mohr-Pietsch explores the pathways to one of football fanatic Dmitri Shostakovich's most celebrated works. The Second Piano Concerto was composed as a 19th birthday present for his son Maxim, who was studying at Moscow Conservatory at the time. Shostakovich later confided to a friend that the piece had "no artistic value", yet the Concerto dazzles us with its quickfire action, all sunshine and fun. But the true gift is in the slow middle section: a gorgeously heartfelt meditation that has made the work a concert hall favourite. En route, there are passes to Purcell and Fauré, and that most Russian of instruments, the balalaika. And just after half-time, Sara shakes a rattle to some footballing works that Shostakovich would have thoroughly supported. To listen to this programme on most smart speakers, just say: 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Music Map'.