Search - Dmitry Shostakovich, Ladislav Slovak, Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava) :: Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10

Very entertaining and accessible Shostakovich

R. Miller | Toledo, Ohio USA | 04/05/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The conductor knew and worked with Shostakovich, and it shows. Not only that, but the orchestra is up to the task. I'm no great Shostakovich expert, but this is very entertaining.



I have read that this symphony is some sort of homage to Stalin, a dedicatory of sorts -- to the composer's nemesis?? If that is true, why does Dmitri sneak in the celebratory, almost circus-like passages, that seem as though they were written by a kid just out of school for the summer? Or is it because Conductor Slovak knew that that was how Shostakovich felt -- but he still had to keep such feelings somewhat hidden? Is that why Slovak interprets those trumpet passages that way?



In any case, this CD is an excellent value, and a little slice of history to boot!"