Shostakovich Festive Overture Op. 96

Gemma New Conductor

Shostakovich's Festive Overture, Op. 96, is an energetic piece composed in 1954 to celebrate the 37th anniversary of the October Revolution. It opens with a bold brass fanfare and quickly moves into a lively, upbeat rhythm. The orchestra plays together in an exciting, celebratory way, with each section—brass, strings, and woodwinds—taking turns to add to the joyful mood. Unlike some of Shostakovich’s darker works, the Festive Overture is bright, optimistic, and full of energy.