Prokofiev's 'Classical' Symphony and Schnittke 's Viola Concerto Tonight's programme features two works by two major 20th-century Russian composers, performed by conductor Valery Gergiev and viola soloist Yuri Bashmet both from the USSR. Prokofiev's popular Symphony No 1 in D (Classical), written in 1917, is followed by a new work the Viola Concerto by Alfred Schnittke. Premiered in 1986 by Bashmet and Gergiev, the concerto is a highly charged personal work that communicates directly with the audience. With the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra led by Dennis Simons. Narrator: Christopher Cook