I first sought out this symphony after reading "The rest is noise' by alexander ross. It is a fantastic book focusing & detailing the humanity & historical geo-political elements of the 20th century, its effect & influence of its composers & the incredible exploration of the limitlessness of expression though music & permutations of sounds. The symphony is dedicated to the Russian occupants of the city of Leningrad during a 900 day siege by Nazi forces, that apparently took the lives of half a Million people; but though many in the besieged city became Cannibals to survive; they're heroic Resilience became a testament, to the profound courage & fortitude of the hardy Russian people; It is estimated that over 27 million Russians lost their lives in WWII...