Search - Dmitry Shostakovich, Yevgeny Mravinsky, Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra :: Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10

Distinctive and powerful

R. J. Claster | Van Nuys, CA United States | 12/24/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 1976 broadcast is the only one of the released Mravinsky performances of this work that is in stereo. It is distinguished for me by the measured, weighty manner he plays the powerful development section of the lengthly opening movement, which imparts to it a gravitas and majesty that one does not generally hear in other performances, a relentlessly driving, slashing account of the short, brutal second movement (reputed to be a portrait of Stalin), and a distinct refusal to linger in the slow opening section of the final movement. This performance is marred only by a quite noticable ensemble coordination failure at the conclusion of the opening melody of the first movement (a failure that one does not hear on the mono BMG recording of a broadcast he made 3+ weeks later which, however, is distinctly inferior sonically). Strongly recommended, especially for the Shostakovich lover."

Wow! What energy and verve!

Craig Matteson | Ann Arbor, MI | 07/04/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, this is a live performance and there is audience noise. That happens. But I am glad to have this performance. I admit that I don't listen to recordings as an audiophile. It is the performance I am after. And this one has an amazing amount of energy and power. (The short second movement is stunningly brilliant.)It might be too brilliant for some. Mravinsky is amazingly Russian, but some feel he substitutes speed and brilliance for musicality. And that might be. However, one doesn't get to hear this kind of brilliance all that often. It is akin to a thrill ride at an amusement park. I think this is definitely worth having and listening too repeatedly.I am also glad that Shostakovich is getting a lot more play now than when I was a kid. He is a very good composer and deserves to be played a lot. This is a symphony of extremes - poetry & sheer brilliance, introspection & bravura, long movements (22 mins) followed by a 4 minute short movement.Again, worth owning and hearing."

Mravinsky wins first place for the Scherzo

Peter Heddon | 10/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My rating is for the scherzo *only*

Basically i've compared karajan (later recording),Haitink,Ormandy,Mravinsky and Rattle.All are admirable (most notably the first two)but Mravinsky takes the movement to a more unhinged and terrifying peak.For the Scherzo,he is my selected winner!"