Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10 in E minor, Op. 93
- Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra; Vasily Petrenko, conductor
- Just released 11/16/2010 by Naxos
The tenth symphony is one of Shostakovich’s finest works, and many great performances have found their way to the classical CD catalogs. It is a symphony composed in the immediate months following Stalin’s death in March 1953, and it occupies an important position in the total work output of the composer.
From the dark feelings of the extended opening movement, through the sound depiction of violence in the explosive Allegro, to the final movement’s dramatic climax, this is a work of strong musical contrasts. We hear dark rich tone in opening movement. The second is syncopated and rhythmic; the 3rd is somber again… and the 4th movement, Andante, opens dark again, against a soulful oboe…
Here are some Press comments:
“The Tenth is a symphony into which many have been tempted to read parallels with Shostakovich’s life…The refreshing thing is that Petrenko treats it as a great symphony in its own right…All dynamics and metronome marks are scrupulously observed, but details never impede the progress of this rippling, human tragedy.”
……………….. BBC Music Magazine, December 2010
“Petrenko and the RLPO have achieved a triumph. The orchestral playing is ripe, detailed, lithe, concentrated and intense. Petrenko has full measure not only of the symphony’s overarching architecture but also of the individual facets that make it such a fascinating conundrum.”
…………………… The Telegraph, 5th November 2010
Here is Georg Solti conducting the BR Sinfonieorchester in Shostakovich’s 10th Symphony; 4th Movement – Part 1: Andante
Tags: Shostakovich Symphony #10, Petrenko, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra