Search - Dmitry Shostakovich, Neeme Järvi, Scottish National Orchestra :: Dmitri Shostakovich: Symphony No.1, Op. 10/Symphony No.6, Op. 54 - Neeme Jarvi

Shostakovich 1st and 6th no Need to Hesistate

Dmitri | Florida - Paradise | 07/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These recordings are more than 20 years old, but recorded in the best Chandos sound. Jarvi's approach to the 1st symphony is more spacious than most, but that is all right in my book. I never did care for Toscanni's tight 1st with fast tempos. The most notable thing about this 1st besides be well played and interpretted is the outstanding timpani roll at the end. Jarvi lets the timpanist indulge and doesn't care how long the solo lasts. Truly a timpanists dream.



The 6th symphony has to have the best modern Largo on record. It really cuts deep into your soul. Jarvi's choice of tempo is perfect between faster and slower versions of this first movement. The last two movements are just bonuses to the first, but they are played briskly in contrast to the first movement. To tell you the truth I like the last two movements a bit more tempered as if you could soak them up more, but only Stokowski, Rozhdestvensky, or Polyansky do that.



All in all it is a 10/10 recommendation for anyone looking for this particular coupling. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have if you decide to purchase."

The "headless" symphony

Alex | New Jersey, USA | 11/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An unusual layout (lacking an opening allegro), a particularly long and developed largo, and a pair of toss-the-hat-into-the-air energetic short movements make up a symphony that probably raised eyebrows and caused the composer some trouble. But what a wonderful piece this is, particularly what has to be one of Shostakovich's most elaborated and shattering slow movements. An essential element in a Shostakovich library. (Edit: I'm referring to the recording of the 6th Symphony on this disc)."