Dmitri's Dacha

[Madiel]

If you're choosing, I recommend you go 14th.

[Herman]

If you're choosing, I recommend you go 14th.

will do.

[aukhawk]

I wasn't aware of this recording.
When Previn's 1st recording of the 8th was released (also LSO, on EMI) I thought it was an upgrade in every way over the already very good Kondrashin/Moscow recording that I had.  I also very much enjoy the DG '4D' sound (I know a lot of people here don't).  So I'll be looking this one out.

[vandermolen]

I wasn't aware of this recording.
When Previn's 1st recording of the 8th was released (also LSO, on EMI) I thought it was an upgrade in every way over the already very good Kondrashin/Moscow recording that I had.  I also very much enjoy the DG '4D' sound (I know a lot of people here don't).  So I'll be looking this one out.

The Previn LSO version is my favourite of this symphony.
My favourite cover image too:

[relm1]

The Previn LSO version is my favourite of this symphony.
My favourite cover image too:

Now, I'm confused, is the DG and EMI the same performance?

[Mirror Image]

Now, I'm confused, is the DG and EMI the same performance?

No, Previn recorded the 8th twice.

[vandermolen]

Now, I'm confused, is the DG and EMI the same performance?

DGG is a later performance. I prefer the earlier EMI version.

[Herman]

I have not heard these Previn DSCH recordings. I have often felt that the EMI LSO - Previn recordings were underrehearsed and didn't allow for much relistening, because one increasingly heard sloppy details and iffy ensemble.

[Roasted Swan]

I have not heard these Previn DSCH recordings. I have often felt that the EMI LSO - Previn recordings were underrehearsed and didn't allow for much relistening, because one increasingly heard sloppy details and iffy ensemble.

Wow..... NEVER heard that said of Previn/LSO before! Can you name a couple of specifics?

[SurprisedByBeauty]

I have not heard these Previn DSCH recordings. I have often felt that the EMI LSO - Previn recordings were underrehearsed and didn't allow for much relistening, because one increasingly heard sloppy details and iffy ensemble.

A rare moment of inconsistency from what I suspect are two Hurwitz reviews at ClassicsToday, here briefly talking about the DG 8th (https://www.classicstoday.com/review/dgs-mongrel-shostakovich-cycle/?search=1) and here (during the short(?) period where reviews weren't signed by the author) about the EMI/HMV: https://www.classicstoday.com/review/review-7142/?search=1.

High points for his Chicago 4th, though, (A "Reference"): https://www.classicstoday.com/review/reference-recording-previns-chicago-shostakovich-4th/?search=1; ditto his LSO/RCA Fifth https://www.classicstoday.com/review/review-10332/?search=1. Nearly as high marks for 10/13 https://www.classicstoday.com/review/review-4134/?search=1.

[Karl Henning]

A rare moment of inconsistency from what I suspect are two Hurwitz reviews at ClassicsToday, here briefly talking about the DG 8th (https://www.classicstoday.com/review/dgs-mongrel-shostakovich-cycle/?search=1) and here (during the short(?) period where reviews weren't signed by the author) about the EMI/HMV: https://www.classicstoday.com/review/review-7142/?search=1.

High points for his Chicago 4th, though, (A "Reference"): https://www.classicstoday.com/review/reference-recording-previns-chicago-shostakovich-4th/?search=1; ditto his LSO/RCA Fifth https://www.classicstoday.com/review/review-10332/?search=1. Nearly as high marks for 10/13 https://www.classicstoday.com/review/review-4134/?search=1.

Though I should not call the Previn/CSO Fourth a "reference," it sounds glorious, and is one of my favorites.

[relm1]

I have not heard these Previn DSCH recordings. I have often felt that the EMI LSO - Previn recordings were underrehearsed and didn't allow for much relistening, because one increasingly heard sloppy details and iffy ensemble.

I think Previn DSCH No. 8 might be my favorite version (right now at least), it is very well recorded, perfect tempo (slow), and packs a punch when it needs to.  It might displace Haitink/Concertgebouw as my favorite version of the 8th.  A super slow largo which I think works just fine.

[Mirror Image]

Though I should not call the Previn/CSO Fourth a "reference," it sounds glorious, and is one of my favorites.

Speaking of the 4th, do you know Rozhdestvensky's performance, Karl? It's simply outstanding.

[aukhawk]

ditto his LSO/RCA Fifth https://www.classicstoday.com/review/review-10332/?search=1.

Recorded 1966.  Still hard to beat.

[aukhawk]

Now, I'm confused, is the DG and EMI the same performance?

I haven't heard the DG yet (a used CD in the post I hope) but the timings indicate slower tempi throughout for the remake.
Timings (from Amazon) Shostakovich 8th / Previn :
EMI:    DG:
25:08   27:53
5:53    6:16
5:34    6:08
11.16   15:16
13:23   14:16

Hmm.  Compare and contrast with Caetani, who is always speedy:
20:45
5:52
6:02
7:40   
12:20 (excl. applause)

[Herman]

Wow..... NEVER heard that said of Previn/LSO before! Can you name a couple of specifics?

I used to have a copy of the Tchaikovsky ballets, and liked them just fine, until I started hearing how how uneven the ensemble playing is. I suspect these ballets were recorded in a very short time, just as EMI potboilers.

Really, if a conductor records virtually the entire post 1850 repertoire, and has several other activities (playing cocktail jazz, doing music education on tv, composing film music), one shouldn't be too surprised the occasional note is dropped.

[relm1]

I haven't heard the DG yet (a used CD in the post I hope) but the timings indicate slower tempi throughout for the remake.
Timings (from Amazon) Shostakovich 8th / Previn :
EMI:    DG:
25:08   27:53
5:53    6:16
5:34    6:08
11.16   15:16
13:23   14:16

Hmm.  Compare and contrast with Caetani, who is always speedy:
20:45
5:52
6:02
7:40   
12:20 (excl. applause)

That's crazy!  Someone needs to give Caetani herbal tea to help him relax.  As I mentioned, I really liked the very slow largo in DG Previn.  It didn't feel like it dragged though it is slow (maybe slowest?) but felt weighty.

[Roasted Swan]

Speaking of the 4th, do you know Rozhdestvensky's performance, Karl? It's simply outstanding.

I do miss Olympia as a CD label - so many great/rare Soviet recordings.  I bought all the Rozhdestvensky cycle when they were single Olympia discs.  I loved the performances but dread seeing the name Severin Pazukhin as engineer/producer.  A man for whom the phrase "spot-lit" recording was a way of life.  I struggle to hear beyond a suddenly elephantine flute or channel-hopping horn to the music beyond.  That said the soviet sound is still there in that orchestra and for that I will always value them.  A "sleeper" in No.4 recordings is Daniel Raiskin with the Rheinische Philharmonie.

There's also a "live" Rozhdestvensky which is pretty overwhelming as well......

[Karl Henning]

Speaking of the 4th, do you know Rozhdestvensky's performance, Karl? It's simply outstanding.

No, I don't believe I know it, John.

[Mirror Image]

No, I don't believe I know it, John.

Please give this a listen when you can find the time:

https://www.youtube.com/v/CP-OJTOJHZU