Schostakowitsch: Symphonie No. 10 in E Minor, Op. 93

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Herbert von Karajan undoubtedly wished to be remembered as this century's great German conductor. He recorded the complete Beethoven symphonies four times, Brahms twice, Bruckner almost twice. But in truth, he was better at other things, and when he worked outside his standard repertory he usually did his best work--like here, for instance. Von Karajan actually recorded this symphony once before, a good performance. But when he returned to it for a digital retread, he simply let himself go and played the pants off the piece. This performance reveals his stature as an interpreter far more clearly than any number of Beethoven cycles, and fans of the composer should add it to their collections without delay. --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

Symphonie Nr. 10 in E minor, op 93: Moderato
Symphonie Nr. 10 in E minor, op 93: Allegro
Symphonie Nr. 10 in E minor, op 93: Allegretto
Symphonie Nr. 10 in E minor, op 93: Andante -- Allegro

Amazon.com essential recording

Herbert von Karajan undoubtedly wished to be remembered as this century's great German conductor. He recorded the complete Beethoven symphonies four times, Brahms twice, Bruckner almost twice. But in truth, he was better at other things, and when he worked outside his standard repertory he usually did his best work--like here, for instance. Von Karajan actually recorded this symphony once before, a good performance. But when he returned to it for a digital retread, he simply let himself go and played the pants off the piece. This performance reveals his stature as an interpreter far more clearly than any number of Beethoven cycles, and fans of the composer should add it to their collections without delay. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Recording is overrated.......2007-05-09

Many say this is the best Shosta 10 recorded. Quite frankly I would have to disagree. This was recorded back in 1982 during the early days of digital recordings. The sound in this recording is rather dry which really affects the performance. Personally I do not find the 2nd mvt very 'demonic' or 'aggressive' or any other evil adjectives you'd want to use. It didn't really impress me. However I must admit that the 3rd mvt here is one of the best around. Karajan judges the acceleration perfectly. As it has been said in many reviews, the finale is played at the speed Shostakovich himself indicated. It creates a slightly different effect than when you hear it at a slower speed, but if I'm not mistaken the timpani plays one too many DSCH mottos in it's solo at the very end. If you want a good quality recording in interpretation and sound get Haitink's recording coupled with the 2nd. The 2nd mvt of 10th is vividly captured and in your face and the tempo of the finale is only marginally slower than Karajan's.

Pretty good overall, but not absolutely best.......2005-02-23

Well spotted, John Grabowski! Indeed, the clarinet is a touch late in its second phrase in the 1st movement. Very sloppy for BPO under hyper-autocrat HVK!

The sound at the very opening of this symphony is very poor (lots of hiss included). But it gets over that quickly. Also, in tuttis the early digital sound is bad at times. So not an absolutely wonderful recording in all respects.

I would recommend Jansons on EMI for a recording which is brilliant in sound and interpretation (much prefer it over this).

good recording of a great symphony.......2004-12-28

To my mind, the 10th is one of Shostakovich's greatest works, and one of the great symphonies of the 20th century. The Berliner and von Karajan do a fine job of bringing out the drama, and at time, rage of the work. The brass in the scherzo, for example, are angry and snarling; exactly what the movement needs. The string sound in the first movement is lush and gorgeous. You will not be disappointed by this performance.

DSCH's Greatest Symphony.......2004-09-17

I am a newcomer to the world of Shostakovich, and this recording has definitely whetted my appetite for this great 20th-century composer. Under von Karajan's direction, the long, epic first movement unfolds a landscape of indescribable desolation and barrenness, with many passages that are positively chilling (eg. the clarinet melody). The scherzo and the waltz are appropriately demonic, and the final movement is as cathartic as one could desire - and with incredible virtuosity from the Berliners. Von Karajan show us why many experts consider the Tenth to be Shostakovich's greatest symhonic achievement.

DSCH's greatest symphony.......2004-08-05

I am a newcomer to the world of Shotakovich, and this recording has definitely whetted my appetite. Under von Karajan's direction, the long, epic first movement bespeaks indescribable desolation and barrenness, with many passages that are positively chilling (eg. the clarinet melody). The scherzo and the waltz are appropriately demonic, and the final movement it as exciting and cathartic as one could desire - and with incredible virtuosity, I might add. Von Karajan and his forces show us why many experts consider the Tenth to be Shostakovich's greatest symphonic achievement.