Dmitri's Dacha

[Symphonic Addict]

I happen to like all the symphonies, maybe the 14th being an only exception. And I reaffirmed my love for the 12th when I heard it live twice.

[T. D.]

Maybe OT and of limited interest, but this has an anecdote about DSCH playing an offhand chess game against a World Champion, and some good period photos:

https://www.chess.com/blog/RoaringPawn/shostakovich-an-unexpected-sparring-partner-of-guess-who

[Mirror Image]

I happen to like all the symphonies, maybe the 14th being an only exception. And I reaffirmed my love for the 12th when I heard it live twice.

I'm also not really a fan of the 14th. I can say the same for the 12th, but it's better than the 2nd and 3rd symphonies.

[Herman]

I am a fan of 14 (and 15).

[vandermolen]

One that I really like is No.12 'The Year 1917' which is supposed to be the worst one. The only one that I don't know at all is No.14. 13, which was lost on me at one time, is now one of my favourites.

[vandermolen]

Maybe OT and of limited interest, but this has an anecdote about DSCH playing an offhand chess game against a World Champion, and some good period photos:

https://www.chess.com/blog/RoaringPawn/shostakovich-an-unexpected-sparring-partner-of-guess-who

Interesting! He also played a children's card game with Rostropovich, Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears.

[Roasted Swan]

One that I really like is No.12 'The Year 1917' which is supposed to be the worst one. The only one that I don't know at all is No.14. 13, which was lost on me at one time, is now one of my favourites.

+1 for No.12!

[amw]

No. 14 is my favourite of the symphonies by some distance. 12 is fine, makes a strong impression live as well. I know I've heard 3 before but I do not remember anything about it, will have to listen again someday.

[Madiel]

What would you think if I said I really like his Symphony No. 3?  Are we misjudging 2 and 3?

I find 3 at least interesting (in the Petrenko cycle, and Petrenko is noted for holding structures together well).

I'm more devastated at people not liking, or not knowing, no.14.

[vers la flamme]

3 and especially 2 are both good, but weird. I don't have much love for 12, 13, 14 or 15. I'm sure I'll catch some flak for all that. It's still a work in progress for me, the Shostakovich symphonies.

[Herman]

No flak here.

Last time I checked, it's a free world.

[Karl Henning]

I find 3 at least interesting (in the Petrenko cycle, and Petrenko is noted for holding structures together well).

I'm more devastated at people not liking, or not knowing, no.14.

I know. A big fan of 14, I am.

[Mirror Image]

I'm more devastated at people not liking, or not knowing, no.14.

Why?

[Mahlerian]

I know. A big fan of 14, I am.

Same here. I think it's one of his most original works, and very moving.

[vandermolen]

I need to get to know No.14

[techniquest]

I also need to get to know no.14. I love the 13th (possibly my favourite of his symphonies - the Barshai recording is magnificent), and also the 15th both of which some find rather tricky. I hear some music in the 3rd that leads us to what will be heard in the 4th, which makes that work rather interesting - more so than the rather bland 2nd.
I find myself enjoying the central movements of both 7 & 8 more than the outer movements.

[relm1]

Today, I might have had an epiphany.  I'm a life long fan of DS but I might have just realized his greatest music was not the symphonies but the chamber music.  This album is so gorgeous and wonderful!  It made me realize, wow, what a great composer!  Also the obvious Germanic lineage to which he has such a deep depth.  But I hear it as orchestral music.

[Karl Henning]

Today, I might have had an epiphany.  I'm a life long fan of DS but I might have just realized his greatest music was not the symphonies but the chamber music.  This album is so gorgeous and wonderful!  It made me realize, wow, what a great composer!  Also the obvious Germanic lineage to which he has such a deep depth.  But I hear it as orchestral music.

Great music!

[Herman]

[depth = debt]

I have never really gotten into op 87.

Love the string quartets, though, particularly the later ones.

[Irons]

[depth = debt]

I have never really gotten into op 87.

Love the string quartets, though, particularly the later ones.

Overall I think the string quartets are his best music. I have a particular fondness for the mellow, easy-going 6th.