Post by MartinT on Jan 7, 2023 21:32:51 GMT
Shostakovich Symphony No. 10, Neeme Jarvi, Scottish National Orchestra
NON-CLASSICAL FANS - SEE FURTHER BELOW
Shostakovich's 10th symphony is one of two (the other being the 5th) considered to be fully rounded masterpieces, although virtually ALL of his output is worth a listen. For me, his 13th is another masterpiece but it's not for everyone. The 10th was first performed after Stalin's death, when Dmitri finally felt a release from the creative shackles imposed on him earlier in his life (he and other Soviet artists feared for their lives during his reign of terror).
The whole symphony is a wonderful creation, using Shostakovich's typically highly individual and very Russian style. It starts immediately in a dark and sombre mood and this carries through much of the symphony. There is some truly beautiful music interspersed and much of it is 'picture music' (my phrase), generating imagery of a terrorised and poverty-stricken Soviet Union.
NON-CLASSICAL FANS - READ HERE
However, I want to make a special mention of the 2nd movement (Allegro). In just over four minutes' length, Shostakovich distills all of his accumulated venom towards Stalin. If ever music told a story, it is here in this piece. EVERYONE should listen to it and, perhaps, gain an appreciation of how classical music can communicate protest just as effectively as more modern genres. Fantastic stuff, as powerful as anything he wrote in his lifetime (and the 13th is an incredible exercise in fear and oppression). Play it loud!
I have chosen the Jarvi performance with the SNO as it's searing in its intensity and the Chandos recording is superb.
open.qobuz.com/track/130837316
NON-CLASSICAL FANS - SEE FURTHER BELOW
Shostakovich's 10th symphony is one of two (the other being the 5th) considered to be fully rounded masterpieces, although virtually ALL of his output is worth a listen. For me, his 13th is another masterpiece but it's not for everyone. The 10th was first performed after Stalin's death, when Dmitri finally felt a release from the creative shackles imposed on him earlier in his life (he and other Soviet artists feared for their lives during his reign of terror).
The whole symphony is a wonderful creation, using Shostakovich's typically highly individual and very Russian style. It starts immediately in a dark and sombre mood and this carries through much of the symphony. There is some truly beautiful music interspersed and much of it is 'picture music' (my phrase), generating imagery of a terrorised and poverty-stricken Soviet Union.
NON-CLASSICAL FANS - READ HERE
However, I want to make a special mention of the 2nd movement (Allegro). In just over four minutes' length, Shostakovich distills all of his accumulated venom towards Stalin. If ever music told a story, it is here in this piece. EVERYONE should listen to it and, perhaps, gain an appreciation of how classical music can communicate protest just as effectively as more modern genres. Fantastic stuff, as powerful as anything he wrote in his lifetime (and the 13th is an incredible exercise in fear and oppression). Play it loud!
I have chosen the Jarvi performance with the SNO as it's searing in its intensity and the Chandos recording is superb.
open.qobuz.com/track/130837316
