The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs at Strathmore

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra offered a curious pairing of large-scale works at Strathmore on Saturday; Beethoven's "Emperor" Concerto with Yefim Bronfman, and the virtually unknown Twelfth Symphony of Shostakovich. The contrast was between one of the great geniuses of Western art operating at his zenith and an effortful attempt by a lesser master to write patriotic music without sounding like a hack. Marin Alsop led committed performances of both works.