Search - Shostakovich, Svetlanov, Ussr Symphony :: Shostakovich Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5 / Svelanov (Russian Disc)

Interesting Performances

D. A Wend | Buffalo Grove, IL USA | 06/13/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have other recordings of the Shostakovich First and Fifth symphonies but I enjoy listening to the interesting readings on this disc. The recordings were made in the late 1960's and have very good sound that is free from distortion. The First is conducted by Evgeni Svetlanov conducting his own USSR Symphony Orchestra and Dmitri Kitaenko conducting the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra that he led for many years.



Both recordings exhibit good attention to the score that Russian recordings from the Soviet period are known for. The balance of the First Symphony is excellent with the solo parts played with great feeling and tempi are a bit on the fast side, perhaps, but I like the visceral reading of the music. This is a live recording and I detected only one cough from the audience. The Fifth is played with great expression and Maestro Kitaenko gives attention to the phrasing by the orchestra. The Largo is expressively played and the Finale is exciting with the ending bars played with a steady tempo. The Fifth is free from coughing; both symphonies have applause at the conclusion.



These are arguably not the best recordings of these symphonies but they are well-played and the sound is nicely engineered.

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