Shostakovich, Dmitry - Symphony No. 11 - DePriest, James
Leveranstid: Skickas vanligtvis inom 2-5 dagar
The Helsinki Philharmonic
James Depriest, conductor
"I wondered whether any recording of the Eleventh would capture the symphony's broad emotional scope like Stokowski's legendary 1958 reading. I need no longer wonder. Although DePreist's version does not quite reach the emotional heights of Stokowski's sweeping performance, the new disc is unmatched for subtlety and clarity of expression. All through the colossally-scaled symphony, DePreist brings order to the whole, deftly sorting out competing voices and creating exquisite orchestral balances. The performance offers many moments to be savored, from the serene, crystalline trumpet and horn calls that emerge over the shimmering whispers of the strings at the work's outset, to the ethereal English horn solo near the end of the finale. More dynamic sections are equally gratifying. One can feel the righteous indignation welling up in the people as their second movement motif, the song 'O Thou, Our Tsar, Our Little Father' builds to a climax; and the massacre that follows is absolutely terrifying. The clarion opening to the rousing finale, labeled 'Tocsin' or Alarm Bell, leave no doubt that this is Shostakovich's 'We Shall Overcome'! All this is presented in sound so magnificent the disc should be used for equipment demonstrations in every high-end audio dealership in the country. While I would never be without Stokowski's electrifying performance, the Helsinki Philharmonic's superlative palying, DePreist's masterly direction, and Delos' breathtaking sound make the new disc a clear first choice. Highest recommendation."
(American Record Guide)