Search - Dmitry Shostakovich, Benjamin Britten, Simon Rattle :: Britten: Sinfonia da Requiem; Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10

A pairing of very serious and profound symphonic works is offered here from EMI Classics by Sir Simon Rattle conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra & the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra that were recorded back in the mid-1980's. Dmitri Shostakovich's amazing 10th Symphony in many ways represents the painful years under Stalin as experienced by the composer and his countrymen. Part of the work is noted by the composer to be a portrait of Stalin. The isolationist that Shostakovich often appeared to be seems to be a large part of the personality of this symphony. The orchestration as with most of Shostakovich's symphonic work is unique and very innovative. Benjamin Britten's acclaimed "Requiem" has no direct liturgical assosication but rather is a reflection of the composer's feelings with regards to World War II and the passing of his father. It is often considered to be Britten's greatest work. Simon Rattle commands very exciting and lyrical performances from each orchestra here to make this recording stand out from others.