I'm working my way through the Barshai box set, and I have just enjoyed the 5th Symphony! This is really one of my favourite Shostakovich symphonies, and know I wonder which are your preferred performances of this symphony? And why? The Kondrashin box set is on the way to me, and I think that one should have a very good 5th. I'm looking forward to that, and maybe some of your recommendations.
I have long been a fan of Haitink's recording, which is admittedly on the cool side. But I'm sold by the spectacular playing of the Concertgebouw, plus the equally spectacular recording.
If you want a white-hot version on DVD, there is Bernstein and the NYPO recorded in Tokyo in 1979. The sound is excellent and the video is very good (with some occasionally slightly dated camera work). It's coupled with a great reading of the Schumann Symphony No. 1, but the Shostakovich is the prize: absolutely electrifying.
--Bruce
Quote from: bhodges on April 13, 2007, 09:00:52 AM
I have long been a fan of Haitink's recording, which is admittedly on the cool side. But I'm sold by the spectacular playing of the Concertgebouw, plus the equally spectacular recording.
If you want a white-hot version on DVD, there is Bernstein and the NYPO recorded in Tokyo in 1979. The sound is excellent and the video is very good (with some occasionally slightly dated camera work). It's coupled with a great reading of the Schumann Symphony No. 1, but the Shostakovich is the prize: absolutely electrifying.
--Bruce
The same applies to the Sanderling on Berlin Classics.
mitropolous/nypo is fun!! ...but i like it most times i hear it regardless of who's performing.
dj
The 5th can, I think, survive more than one approach. Good thing, since I like a number of them.
For the purely Russian take, I do like Maxim Shostakovich, and the recording on my analog LP is quite good if not audiophile quality.
I also love Mravinsky, but he did several recordings and choosing among them isn't always a cut-and-dried thing. My preferred choice, for example, might be thought a bit controversial: his live recording with Leningrad but done in Vienna in 1978 and well recorded by EMI. The performance is a good bit different from his other takes--phrasing is distinctive, sometimes almost quirky, and IMO thought-provoking--and you may find it worth hearing even if you've heard the rest already. However, there are other, slightly more conventional options in the Mravinsky discography if it's not to your liking.
Among non-Russians, I still like the earlier (1959) Bernstein/NYP more than the later live version Bruce mentioned. First, I like the presentation which to my ears is more coherent both sonically and interpretively. Second, though the earlier one is very early analog stereo and reveals some thinness in the treble, it sounds more appealing to my ears than the later one, which was in very early digital and (in the two formats I've heard, digital LP and early CD--haven't heard any later masterings) offered both spectacular aspects in the bass and annoyingly shrill ones in the treble. YMMV.
Others worth hearing: Stokowski on Everest (not the greatest ensemble but the Stokie fire is there) and Ancerl on Supraphon (not the greatest recording quality but some gorgeous playing from the Czechs, esp. in the less bombastic sections). I also have a Dorati on Mercury that impressed me enough to survive my last collection purge, but I honestly can't remember enough about the performance to give you useful information. Maybe someone else can comment more fully...?
FWIW.
;)
Dirk
Believe it or not, the Atlanta Symphony has a great recording out, especially if you like modern DDD recordings:
http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=4521
this one is surprisingly good
rtsp://media.cc.columbia.edu/music/humanities/cd5000/track15.rm
Andre Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Previn/LSO is a great performance. It has a couple of annoying sonic problems, though. At the very opening, there's a kind of "whooshing" sound (like a warped LP). Much worse, at the climax of the Largo, one of the channels simply drops out for a second or two.
Other than that however, I like it even better than the 1959 Bernstein, to which it is similar in interpretation.
My 3 faves are the 1959 Bernstein/NYPO, the Ancerl/Czech Phil, and the Barshai, which has absolutely awesome sonics besides being a superb performance.
Ancerl with the Czech Philharmonic, dynamic and with a perfect articulation.
Kondrachine with the Moscow Philharmonic, more dense, but very powerful.
Mravinsky,with Leningrad Orchestra, very dark, deep emotional. My favorite.
Quote from: val on April 14, 2007, 01:12:14 AM
Ancerl with the Czech Philharmonic, dynamic and with a perfect articulation.
Kondrachine with the Moscow Philharmonic, more dense, but very powerful.
Mravinsky,with Leningrad Orchestra, very dark, deep emotional. My favorite.
Is this Mravinsky the Melodiya recording from 1954? I have just bought that one (as part of a Mravinsky Shostakovich box set).
Despite the problems with the sound Dirk noted, the second Bernstein (live from Toyko as Bruce mentioned) is one of my two favorites. Two reasons for that: the chilling way Bernstein phrases the second subject of the first movement...like ice, the violins quite haunting; and the unstoppable optimism of the last movement. My other recommendation is Rostropovich and the NSO: this was the first version I heard that treated the closing pages in a grimly ironic way instead of the romantic triumph Bernstein makes of it; Rostropovich punching out the rhythm like repeated blows to the gut. You won't find two more utterly different takes on this symphony.
Sarge
Quoterubio
Is this Mravinsky the Melodiya recording from 1954? I have just bought that one (as part of a Mravinsky Shostakovich box set).
Yes, it is the version of 1954. I have it in a CD that also includes Scriabin's Poème de l'Extase.
Quote from: rubio on April 13, 2007, 08:47:48 AM
I'm working my way through the Barshai box set, and I have just enjoyed the 5th Symphony! This is really one of my favourite Shostakovich symphonies, and know I wonder which are your preferred performances of this symphony? And why? The Kondrashin box set is on the way to me, and I think that one should have a very good 5th. I'm looking forward to that, and maybe some of your recommendations.
Rubio, my one and only recording of this one is Rostropovich conducting the LSO Live. I love his interpretation because he really brings out the pain in the finale.
Here's a quote from my favorite guide book (Classical Music, The Listener's Companion, Edited by A.J. Morin):
"For decades, the Finale was inperpreted as a triumphant apothesis, but the composer said it was like being beaten with a stick and forced to repeat "Our business is rejoicing." His disciple, Roistropovich says it's like being "stretched on a rack," and his first recording (DG) leaves no doubt as to the way an excruciatingly slow tempo in the coda can turn those dissonances into agonizing torture.
I feel the same about his later recording with the LSO. It's superb. :)
Following on from George
I have just received the Sanderling version on Berlin Classics. I was brought up on versions of the 5th with a triumphant, blazing ending of the symphony. It was quite a shock to hear Sanderling's version. Blazing yes, but triumphant .... definitely not. It quite changed my understanding of the work. I love this version, plus the other Shostakovich symphonies recorded by Sanderling, with the sole exception of the 8th where I feel that Kondrashin is still king (the monstrous, pounding tom-tom at the climax of the second allegro !!!!). Sanderling's 15th is also magnificent, and in fact the box set is worth the price solely for the booklet of interviews with Sanderling (who knew Shostakovich well).
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on April 14, 2007, 02:58:55 AM
Despite the problems with the sound Dirk noted, the second Bernstein (live from Toyko as Bruce mentioned) is one of my two favorites. Two reasons for that: the chilling way Bernstein phrases the second subject of the first movement...ike ice, the violins quite haunting; and the unstoppable optimism of the last movement. My other recommendation is Rostropovich and the NSO: this was the first version I heard that treated the closing pages in a grimly ironic way instead of the romantic triumph Bernstein makes of it; Rostropovich punching out the rhythm like repeated blows to the gut. You won't find two more utterly different takes on this symphony.
Sarge
Well.... here... we are! :laugh:
Inbal/ Frankfurt (NOT Vienna- there are two) has gotten some high marks. Again, though, the very opening is of the Not-As-Loud-As-Lenny/Haitink variety. However, as I have had to learn, some discs MUST be turned up higher than you would normally ever do. When you turn this one up. what you get is something like a Perfect Recording. Mind you, it's not my favoured way with recordings, but this one gets it about as right as I've heard, you just have to be pretty exacting where you put the initial volume (if you're like me and don't WANT to fiddle-during-playtime). The recording does achieve impressive decibels during climaxes, but I did want more spit out of the brass- fine as they are and they are fine.
It reminds me a bit of the veiled/cloaked sound on the Lenny79- there is seriousness here. More on the ending later.
btw- it seems the consensus on the other Inbal 5 is that it's at least not as good as this one. There was a charge of 'smoothness' levelled at it- and Inbal is smooth here too, but it is pulled off with aplomb here- I can't personally speak for the Vienna recording.
My favourite version by far is the 1938 recording by Mravinsky. Unfortunately I don't see it on Amazon UK at the moment, although there are several other Mravinsky recordings. Despite the 1938 recording, the performance IMHO is in a class of its own, relating the work, more closely than any other version I have heard, to the sound world of Symphony 4.
PS I found it on the US Amazon site:
[asin]B00006YXAA[/asin]
If the age of the recording (or the price) worries you I would opt for Andre Previn's RCA recording with the London Symphony Orchestra.
I also like the recording by Maxim Shostakovich with the USSR SO, which was the first one I heard.
Quote from: vandermolen on August 30, 2014, 11:53:41 PM
My favourite version by far is the 1938 recording by Mravinsky. Unfortunately I don't see it on Amazon UK at the moment, although there are several other Mravinsky recordings. Despite the 1938 recording, the performance IMHO is in a class of its own, relating the work, more closely than any other version I have heard, to the sound world of Symphony 4.
Oh, what a temptation you have set,
Jeffrey; I'm not, as you may know, an enthusiast for older recordings (all things being equal), but the notion of a recording from a time when the ink had not finished curing on the page . . . .
How odd that there is only
Un bal from the
Symphonie fantastique there. Still, into the Wish List it goes!
Quote from: vandermolen on August 30, 2014, 11:53:41 PM
My favourite version by far is the 1938 recording by Mravinsky. Unfortunately I don't see it on Amazon UK at the moment, although there are several other Mravinsky recordings. Despite the 1938 recording, the performance IMHO is in a class of its own, relating the work, more closely than any other version I have heard, to the sound world of Symphony 4.
PS I found it on the US Amazon site:
[asin]B00006YXAA[/asin]
If the age of the recording (or the price) worries you I would opt for Andre Previn's RCA recording with the London Symphony Orchestra.
I also like the recording by Maxim Shostakovich with the USSR SO, which was the first one I heard.
yea, you really pluck the short hairs there! mm
So, you like Previn? I've been curious
AND- I get soooooooo confused concerning Maxim's recording legacy-
1) there are old '70s recordings with LSO of 5... 10... mm... a few others? Violin Concerto... 15...
2) then there's the Collins series- 5... 10... 7?... 8?...
3) then there's a solitary RCA 5th?
4) then there's the Supraphon Box, which had 5, 13, 4, 6?,... and others? as single discs...
5)
6)
So, how many 5ths?...4?... 5?... You don't hear much about that RCA though- are the timings as long as the others?
I've always enjoyed Maxim's hair! DSCH always seemed to have Bed Head. :laugh:
So here's where I stand on the current go around:- not really in order-
Lenny59- I just the volume at which the record opens: every other account sounds like a stale fart in comparison. the Yee-Haw! Version Great Recording
Lenny79- the long black veil- not muffled, but curiously bassy and veiled like a funeral day. Great Performance 'live'
RostropovichDDG- I think someone died in the making of this performance... rough and ready... howling, wailing... no POWs... brutal... flawed/tragic
Haitink/Decca- only Haitink almost matches Lenny's opening volume- I is gots no real complaints about Haitink- Great Recording
Ashkenazy/Decca (RPO)- my nostalgic choice Great Decca Sound, but "piffle" when compared to Lenny59
Mackerras/BBC-(RPO)- 'live' recording
Inbal "2" (Frankfurt)- mm... jury's not in yet- smooth, yet emotional- Great Denon Sound
I don't see the point in going too much farther here, though, Maxim, and Temikranov 5/6 sound enticing... maybe some others?...
Lenny. Any version. He owned a few pieces and this is one of them.
O recommend looking on youtube for Dudamel rehearsing this symphony, most interesting. But ... Lenny.
Quote from: karlhenning on August 31, 2014, 05:22:54 AM
Oh, what a temptation you have set, Jeffrey; I'm not, as you may know, an enthusiast for older recordings (all things being equal), but the notion of a recording from a time when the ink had not finished curing on the page . . . .
How odd that there is only Un bal from the Symphonie fantastique there. Still, into the Wish List it goes!
It was a revelation to me
Karl.
Quote from: snyprrr on August 31, 2014, 06:43:35 PM
yea, you really pluck the short hairs there! mm
So, you like Previn? I've been curious
AND- I get soooooooo confused concerning Maxim's recording legacy-
1) there are old '70s recordings with LSO of 5... 10... mm... a few others? Violin Concerto... 15...
2) then there's the Collins series- 5... 10... 7?... 8?...
3) then there's a solitary RCA 5th?
4) then there's the Supraphon Box, which had 5, 13, 4, 6?,... and others? as single discs...
5)
6)
So, how many 5ths?...4?... 5?... You don't hear much about that RCA though- are the timings as long as the others?
I've always enjoyed Maxim's hair! DSCH always seemed to have Bed Head. :laugh:
I have the Supraphon boxed set which I like although not played them all.
Also, this is good:
[asin]B0031P6XRU[/asin]
The Haitink 5 is out in a new edition:
[asin]B007VN4I7U[/asin]
Quote from: The new erato on September 01, 2014, 11:07:55 AM
The Haitink 5 is out in a new edition:
[asin]B007VN4I7U[/asin]
Thanks very much. Might get that as I liked the LP very much.
OZAWA/Decca
It's fairly new, and seems to be with the Japanese orchestra Ashkenazy used for his 13-14. I mean, Ozawa in the 5th--- it just flew in under the radar.
ANYONE???
I'm surprised I haven't posted on this thread yet. ??? Anyway, my vote goes to Bernstein's Live in Japan performance with the NY Philharmonic. I don't think I've heard a more heartfelt and deeply stirring performance than this one.
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 10, 2014, 07:41:05 PM
I'm surprised I haven't posted on this thread yet. ??? Anyway, my vote goes to Bernstein's Live in Japan performance with the NY Philharmonic. I don't think I've heard a more heartfelt and deeply stirring performance than this one.
It has such a veiled sonority there, though, not that it's really a problem. Inbal/Frankfurt (NOT Vienna) sounds a lot like the Lenny79, very funereal. I somewhat prefer the scintillating frisson of Lenny59, sans caffeine ending. (though, of course, it is rousing!)
I just met a guy in the real world who is a Classical, and he wanted me to want MTT here--- and I wanted to give him a look. Yea--- apparently he's ONLY recommending MTT--- also for Mahler 2 (is he on the money here?). I can't possibly consider MTT in 5 here though--- I mean, come ON. Really??
Again- who ever heard of OZAWA/Decca??????
Actually, seeing a live MTT performance of the 5th opened up this work for me and made me love it - although I haven't heard his CD. My favourite version is Ancerl's.
Quote from: londonrich on September 12, 2014, 09:00:34 AM
Actually, seeing a live MTT performance of the 5th opened up this work for me and made me love it - although I haven't heard his CD. My favourite version is Ancerl's.
I need to revisit that
Ančerl recording, thanks for the nudge!
Quote from: karlhenning on September 12, 2014, 09:03:15 AM
I need to revisit that Ančerl recording, thanks for the nudge!
Which reminds me that there's a great recording in the Silvestri Icon box. With the Vienna Philharmonic of all orechestras.
I like the recording from Gennadi Rozhdestvensky conducting the USSR Ministry of Culture Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra) on the Melodia Label. It comes together with the 7th. Symphony on a twofer. Actually I think all symphony recordings I know from from this series are great. Rozhdestvensky and company give the music a slightly poisend feel that, which I really like. The sound of the studio recording is close miked and very good. Unfortunately the availability for a new copy is not that good, but the prices for used copies seem to be quite low.
Quote from: Daverz on September 12, 2014, 07:45:51 PM
Which reminds me that there's a great recording in the Silvestri Icon box. With the Vienna Philharmonic of all orechestras.
Aye, that's a good 'un.
Quote from: karlhenning on September 13, 2014, 11:50:59 AM
Aye, that's a good 'un.
Hey kids! There's an
Ozawa on Decca!!
I mean, I 'm just saying, that IS interesting, no? Dosn't mean it has to be good, but
Quote from: Daverz on September 12, 2014, 07:45:51 PM
Which reminds me that there's a great recording in the Silvestri Icon box. With the Vienna Philharmonic of all orechestras.
Indeed. Just finished it. Terrific.
I need to seek out the Slava ... Never heard it, but it sounds interesting.
Thanks to this thread I've also just listened to Contantin Silvestri's recording which I have in a very old box 'Contantin Silvestri: The Collection' on the Disky label. I agree - it is an excellent, gripping performance and one of the very best. It is not my favourite of Shostakovich's symphonies but this performance had me gripped throughout.
Howard Mitchell´s old one on RCA is certainly one of the most unusual and feverish in the phrasing of the work.
https://www.amazon.com/Shostakovich-Symphony-National-Orchestra-Mitchell/dp/B0017JJQYY
Lots of good recordings of this work, I recommend this one:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Zis%2BEoIHL._SX425_.jpg)
For the ravishing beauty of the playing of the Viennese. The beautiful flute solo in the 3rd movement is worth it alone.
Quote from: PerfectWagnerite on September 25, 2016, 12:34:47 PM
Lots of good recordings of this work, I recommend this one:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Zis%2BEoIHL._SX425_.jpg)
For the ravishing beauty of the playing of the Viennese. The beautiful flute solo in the 3rd movement is worth it alone.
Good to know as I have the boxed set including that recording. :)
Quote from: rubio on April 13, 2007, 08:47:48 AM
I'm working my way through the Barshai box set, and I have just enjoyed the 5th Symphony! This is really one of my favourite Shostakovich symphonies, and know I wonder which are your preferred performances of this symphony?
Bernstein/NYPO/1959, recorded @ Boston Symphony Hall, after European/Russian tour....White hot, classic rendition....finale is ripping fast, and it really works...orchestra sounds fabulous.
Quote from: Ken B on September 24, 2016, 09:36:35 PM
Indeed. Just finished it. Terrific.
It only took 2 years. ;)
It does remind me about the Silvestri recording. Others I'd recommend are the Sanderling in his partial cycle and the new Nelsons in spectacular sound.
[asin]B000025R32[/asin][asin]B01BIH5U1W[/asin]
The Caetani with my home orchestra 8) is very good indeed.
Paired with a great performance of the 6th
[asin]B00009LW4Z[/asin]
Here is the ClassicsToday review
http://www.classicstoday.com/review/review-9623/?search=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OUNlac-oJg
Quote from: Heck148 on September 25, 2016, 01:13:31 PM
Bernstein/NYPO/1959, recorded @ Boston Symphony Hall, after European/Russian tour....White hot, classic rendition....finale is ripping fast, and it really works...orchestra sounds fabulous.
Is that this one? It says 1959/1973 on the back cover.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41N1S0JF4PL.jpg)
Quote from: david johnson on September 26, 2016, 02:07:54 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OUNlac-oJg
That was a very interesting interpretation and predates the suspicious western/Testimony interpretation. I enjoyed hearing this interpretation but I probably feel the Maxim Shostakovich/LSO/Collins is the closest to accurate. This is a Mahleresque slow symphony full of intensity and pathos rather than brisk energy.
Quote from: PerfectWagnerite on September 26, 2016, 04:37:57 PM
Is that this one? It says 1959/1973 on the back cover.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41N1S0JF4PL.jpg)
I think so - I have the "Great Performances" CBS issue. 10/59 is the recording date for #5.
I also like this one as it is beautifully played and the engineering is great also:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61g4lmaT7rL._SS500.jpg)
It is the companion cd to this book:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51JccW%2BoKtL._SX323_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
It appears every single recording of this has its boosters!
Quote from: Ken B on September 28, 2016, 06:39:19 PM
It appears every single recording of this has its boosters!
And why not? I don't think I have run across a bad recording of this piece. Somehow it brings out the best in an orchestra.
Quote from: GioCar on September 26, 2016, 01:27:58 AM
The Caetani with my home orchestra 8) is very good indeed.
Paired with a great performance of the 6th
[asin]B00009LW4Z[/asin]
Here is the ClassicsToday review
http://www.classicstoday.com/review/review-9623/?search=1
I have the recording of Symphony 4 in this cycle - it is excellent, so this looks like an interesting release.
Quote from: PerfectWagnerite on September 28, 2016, 04:21:08 PM
I also like this one as it is beautifully played and the engineering is great also:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61g4lmaT7rL._SS500.jpg)
It is the companion cd to this book:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51JccW%2BoKtL._SX323_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
I have the book and have never played the accompanying CD. So this is good to know!
I've just listened again to the Mravinsky 1938 recording (presumably the premiere recording) with the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra. Still in a class of its own as far as I'm concerned and no other performance comes close to it. Considering that it was recorded in the midst of the Stalinist purges and not long before World War Two I don't think that it is reading too much into it to suggest that it conveys, unique amongst recordings of Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony, a sense of looming catastrophe which links it to the sound world of Symphony 4. Forget about the old recording - this really is the greatest (IMHO) recorded performance of Symphony No.5.
You see, I find that ("a sense of looming catastrophe") a little problematic to reconcile with the fact that Shostakovich needed to provide a fundamentally upbeat piece in order to restore himself to official grace, and that the emotional, sustained ovation at the work's première affirmed a consensus that the symphony was "a good answer" in response to the bureaucratic provocation.
My argument at heart is, if the d minor symphony had been dissident music, it would probably have been the composer's last symphony.
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 05, 2016, 05:45:10 AM
You see, I find that ("a sense of looming catastrophe") a little problematic to reconcile with the fact that Shostakovich needed to provide a fundamentally upbeat piece in order to restore himself to official grace, and that the emotional, sustained ovation at the work's première affirmed a consensus that the symphony was "a good answer" in response to the bureaucratic provocation.
My argument at heart is, if the d minor symphony had been dissident music, it would probably have been the composer's last symphony.
I doubt very much that the work was consciously subversive as that would, as you say, be suicidal for Shostakovich - but there is a depth and gravity about this premiere recording that distinguishes it from any other in my view.
Quote from: vandermolen on October 05, 2016, 06:23:55 AM
I doubt very much that the work was consciously subversive as that would, as you say, be suicidal for Shostakovich - but there is a depth and gravity about this premiere recording that distinguishes it from any other in my view.
Now that, I think, is fine (depth and gravity). If the performance/symphony had really projected "a sense of looming catastrophe," well, they should just have moved forward with the c minor symphony and taken their chances.
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 05, 2016, 06:36:06 AM
Now that, I think, is fine (depth and gravity). If the performance/symphony had really projected "a sense of looming catastrophe," well, they should just have moved forward with the c minor symphony and taken their chances.
It's just my morbid imagination
Karl.
8)
Quote from: vandermolen on October 05, 2016, 07:03:55 AM
It's just my morbid imagination Karl.
8)
You're a good sport,
Jeffrey, I appreciate that :)
Recently I listened to Kirill Kondrashin and liked the 5th quite a bit.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41j4f29uZ9L._SX425_.jpg)
But I am horrible at comparing recordings, since the one I'm listening to at the moment seems to be the one I like best.
;)
Quote from: sanantonio on October 05, 2016, 07:11:00 AM
Recently I listened to Kirill Kondrashin and liked the 5th quite a bit.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41j4f29uZ9L._SX425_.jpg)
But I am horrible at comparing recordings, since the one I'm listening to at the moment seems to be the one I like best.
;)
I would love the complete Kondrashin cycle but it is ridiculously expensive. I have a few of the individual Melodiya releases including the wonderful versions of symphonies 4 and 11 but not No.5. He was a great conductor.
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 05, 2016, 05:45:10 AM
You see, I find that ("a sense of looming catastrophe") a little problematic to reconcile with the fact that Shostakovich needed to provide a fundamentally upbeat piece in order to restore himself to official grace, and that the emotional, sustained ovation at the work's première affirmed a consensus that the symphony was "a good answer" in response to the bureaucratic provocation.
My argument at heart is, if the d minor symphony had been dissident music, it would probably have been the composer's last symphony.
Well this is interesting. You are certainly right about the history.
Boulez Zhdanov was watching. Still there's something in the music. Take Waltz Number 2. This to me should sound like a death waltz. Overtly it's a waltz, a very poplar one, easily likable , it doesn't crater like La Valse, but it's a death waltz nonetheless. "Beatings will continue until morale improves."
Quote from: Ken B on October 05, 2016, 07:42:31 AMStill there's something in the music. Take Waltz Number 2. This to me should sound like a death waltz. Overtly it's a waltz, a very poplar one, easily likable , it doesn't crater like La Valse, but it's a death waltz nonetheless. "Beatings will continue until morale improves."
Death waltz? Really? Just because the Russians (and Finns...) like their dance music in minor key, doesn't make the waltz from
Suite for a Variety Orchestra a 'death waltz'. I don't really hear anything sinister in it - wistfulness, sure.
Quote from: North Star on October 05, 2016, 09:45:53 AM
Death waltz? Really? Just because the Russians (and Finns...) like their dance music in minor key, doesn't make the waltz from Suite for a Variety Orchestra a 'death waltz'. I don't really hear anything sinister in it - wistfulness, sure.
Absolutely.
They Shoot Horses Don't They?
Quote from: vandermolen on October 05, 2016, 07:32:19 AM
I would love the complete Kondrashin cycle but it is ridiculously expensive. I have a few of the individual Melodiya releases including the wonderful versions of symphonies 4 and 11 but not No.5. He was a great conductor.
Why pay for it when it is free on Spotify?
Quote from: PerfectWagnerite on October 05, 2016, 03:55:54 PM
Why pay for it when it is free on Spotify?
Because there's still people who like buying the physical media (myself included).
PerfectWagnerite and John (MI)
You are both right in what you say!
'True words always seem paradoxical but no other form of teaching can take its place.'
(Lao-Tse)
:)
Quote from: PerfectWagnerite on October 05, 2016, 03:55:54 PM
Why pay for it when it is free on Spotify?
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 05, 2016, 09:19:59 PM
Because there's still people who like buying the physical media (myself included).
And because the sound quality of Spotify and similar lossy streaming services is subpar.
Quote from: Wanderer on October 05, 2016, 11:57:50 PM
And because the sound quality of Spotify and similar lossy streaming services is subpar.
Probably, sounds pretty good to me though...Anyway I am not as audiophile as the rest of you folks and am just happy I get free music.
Quote from: vandermolen on October 05, 2016, 07:32:19 AM
I would love the complete Kondrashin cycle but it is ridiculously expensive. I have a few of the individual Melodiya releases including the wonderful versions of symphonies 4 and 11 but not No.5. He was a great conductor.
Quote from: PerfectWagnerite on October 05, 2016, 03:55:54 PM
Why pay for it when it is free on Spotify?
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 05, 2016, 09:19:59 PM
Because there's still people who like buying the physical media (myself included).
Quote from: Wanderer on October 05, 2016, 11:57:50 PM
And because the sound quality of Spotify and similar lossy streaming services is subpar.
Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good; especially if it means the difference of being able to have access to the recording or not.
;)
This is a very solid No. 5
(http://st.cdjapan.co.jp/pictures/l/14/23/COGQ-70.jpg)
There are a few odd rhythmic choices but overall very satisfying.