Shostakovich: Symphony No. 4
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Edition: Music CDCD Release Date: 2004-11-09
Music Label: Philips
Free Music Notes for Shostakovich: Symphony No. 4
Free Music Review: Splendid Playing from Gergiev and Kirov Orchestra of the Shostakovich 4th Symphony
Hit: 5 Stars
I haven't heard Shostakovich's 4th Symphony performed live, though I have heard it in several recordings, most notably those with Bernard Haitink (Decca) and Myung-Whun Chung (Deutsche Grammophon). Both of these are relatively recent recordings and extremely well-played, with my own slight preference towards Chung's recording since it is with the Philadelphia Orchestra (Philadelphia's legendary, magnificient strings are in splendid form in this recording, especially in the second movement (Moderato con presto).). But I agree with at least one other reviewer that Valery Gergiev and his Kirov Orchestra have raised the stakes, musically speaking, offering the best recorded, most vivid, performance of this symphony I have heard yet (This is an assessment shared too by the Penguin Guide to Classical Music, which refers to this as the best recording, and among the highlights of his ongoing Shostakovich Symphony cycle with the Kirov Orchestra and Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra.). Much to his credit, Gergiev shows a great understanding and appreciation of this score, emphasizing its musical ties to Mahler, especially in the third - and final - movement (Largo-Allegro-Allegro), which has been subdivided here by Philips into three separate track listings. Truly Gergiev and his orchestra have offered an emotionally riveting, exciting performance of this work, blessed with excellent sound quality from Philips's recording team. However, I agree that Gergiev seems to be lost in some of the slower passages, not really emphasizing the accents in the score, but instead, offering a more muted interpretation. But this is really only a minor criticism since the Kirov Orchestra offers some of its most distinguished, truly brilliant playing, especially from the winds and horns, that I have heard either from a recording or a live performance (I have heard Gergiev conduct the Kirov Orchestra a few times at Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium over the past five years.). Anyone seeking a definitive recording of this symphony will not be disappointed with Gergiev's interpretation, the splendid playing of the Kirov Orchestra, or its excellent sound quality.
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 4 Poster
This is a very exciting reading of this troubling work, with the ironic dance moments strongly underlined and a truly Russian flavor in the many exposed wind solos. It is, in general, a grand, operatic performance, with the strings singing brilliantly, and each movement packing a wallop. The work's underlying darkness is never slighted, even when there's a boastfulness in the presentation of the grand sounds. The first movement's fugue seems positively Classical in its formality, contrasting with the two big false climaxes. Sadly, the Kirov Orchestra's playing is under par--perhaps they got emotionally caught up in the experience of playing a symphony banned by Stalin in 1935 and forgotten for 30 years--and the recording is filled with distortion in the big moments in the final movement. For a great performance of this work, check out Ormandy's. --Robert LevineClassical Music CDs
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