Search - Dmitry Shostakovich, Oleg Caetani, Milan Giuseppe Verdi Orchestra :: Shostakovich: Symphony No. 11 "The Year 1905" [Hybrid SACD]

"Eminent Beyond Comparison"

Frank Pandel | USA | 08/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the moment the trumpet makes its first appearance during the Adagio (first movement) you come to realize you are about to hear history in the making. Caetani`s blending of the orchestral soundscape is without equal. The entire movement flows beautifully, albeit a bit soft at first but soon thereafter an entire soundscape is heard. In the Ninth of January you come to see how wonderful Caetani`s handling of orchestral dynamics is realized, the march is interpreted and recorded beyond comparison with all other renditions. Lazarev`s (Linn records) second movement is a dynamic mess, his march is out of sync with the rest of the movement, his orchestra responds without the proper use of dynamic contrast. Berglund`s (EMI), reading makes a total mess of the march, his tempo is not maintained whatsoever. Caetani`s third movement is done as it should be, as an Adagio with a wonderful double bass line that continues to reveal just how good this string section is. The last movement once again is handled with the proper use of dynamic contrast and wonderful solos as is finalized with crystal clear bells.

In my opinion this live recording is "beyond comparison" to other touted renditions.



Frank Pandel

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