Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7, like many of his works, was written under stark conditions. Though he was loyal to his country (more so than his contemporary rival Prokofiev), he was not trusted by the State and was subject to censorship as all composers were. But the State seemed to be determined that this piece be performed. The story is tragic, harrowing, and yet awe inspiring. After its composition, it was rehearsed in the city that gave the work its nickname and The Leningrad Radio Orchestra sacrificed the lives of a few of its members to rehearse and eventually premier the work, all while German forces sieged the city. But that day, it was premiered and today it is known as a sort of war time totem. Perhaps it is not simply the length and breadth of the work that makes it titanic, for its program is no simple matter and stirs audiences and performers alike.