Search - Dmitry Shostakovich, Eugene Ormandy, Leonard Bernstein :: Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5; Cello Concerto No. 1

Great Recordings, But...

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 09/27/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 and the Cello Concerto featured here are great recordings, but I would suggest buying different CDs. First, I find the Bernstein Century version of the 5th Symphony to be superior in terms of emotional quality to this Bernstein version, and the Bernstein Century disc includes Shostakovich's 9th Symphony as well. However, you should be aware that the Bernstein Century performance is from 1959 (though it sounds amazing!), and this one is a digital recording from the 80s. In terms of the Cello Concerto, the exact same recording is available on a Yo-Yo Ma CD that couples the Shostakovich with the incredible Kabalevsky Cello Concerto. I know it costs more to purchase two discs than one, but the additional music is just so good you shouldn't skip it. Trust me, I bought this title first, then traded it in for the Bernstein Century and the Shostakovich/Kabalevsky. Don't repeat my mistake."

A very frightening performance with an shattering finale

meltbanana | 07/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The 1979 Live Tokyo performance of Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony is the one I listen to the most. I know a lot of people prefer the 1959 performance (available on Sony coupled with the 9th) and say to avoid this '79 performance. I personally find both performances to be indispensable. The '59 is a classic and historically important performance with very contrasting tempos and moods, with a very nervous feel to it. This '79 performance is much grander and creepier, taking its time to let the terror and paranoia sink in. I find it to be the most frightening performance i have heard of this symphony. The final timpani and bass drum blows are as brutal as you can get.



I encourage you not to think in terms of which of Bernstein's recordings is "better". Instead, one should appreciate the drastically different approach he took with this piece 20 years after. I would get both, but if you can only buy one, you really can't go wrong with either."

Much Better than Bernstein's Famous 1959 Recording

meltbanana | 07/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD has the ultimate Leonard Bernstein performance of Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony. He paces the first movement slower than his overrated 1959 recording, giving it time to develop,making the sinister march sound very well integrated into the score and hence, much more menacing. The scherzo is paced and played flawlessly, correcting Bernstein's earlier romp. The Largo is played to maximum intensity and the finale is one of the best "triumphant" recordings out there. It's fast but not too fast and sounds all the more satisfying. The performance all around is very intense and not at all flaccid or plodding as the review below this says, it's just that Bernstein takes his time to develop the themes, with very rewarding results. The sound quality is superb, with great detail and massive brass.
The Cello Concerto no. 1 is played flawlessly by Yo-Yo Ma, under Eugene Ormandy's masterful baton, with excellent orchestral accompaniment.
In short if you were considering Bernstein's earlier performance on "Bernstein Century", skip it and get this one instead."