Dmitri Shostakovich:Symphony No. 10/Ballet Suite No. 4

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The heart of this symphony lies in its second movement, a tiny four-minute whirlwind of a piece that the composer claimed represents the malevolent evil of Joseph Stalin. Neeme Järvi whips it up to a frenzy that has to be heard to be believed. The 10th is, arguably, the composer's greatest symphony, and this is also the greatest performance in Järvi's generally impressive Shostakovich cycle. The piece is full of autobiographical references, including the composer's four- note musical monogram (you hear it most clearly at the very end of the third movement). The work was being completed just as Stalin died, and at the climax of the finale his music returns, only to be stomped by the composer's own tune. A symbolic victory, perhaps, but a heartfelt one too. -- David Hurwitz

Dmitri Shostakovich:Symphony No. 10/Ballet Suite No. 4, Music, Dmitry Shostakovich, Andrew Martin, Neeme Järvi, Scottish National Orchestra, 20th/21st Century Symphony, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Orchestral, Suite for Orchestra, Symphonic

Average customer rating:

Solid Shostakovich

As good as Karajan or Haitink

Dmitri Shostakovich:Symphony No. 10/Ballet Suite No. 4

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000AHN
Release Date: 1992-10-28

Tracks:

Symphony No. 10 In E Minor, Op. 93: I. Moderato
Symphony No. 10 In E Minor, Op. 93: II. Allegro
Symphony No. 10 In E Minor, Op. 93: III. Allegretto
Symphony No. 10 In E Minor, Op. 93: IV. Andante
Ballet Suite No. 4: I. Introduction (Variation)
Ballet Suite No. 4: II. Waltz
Ballet Suite No. 4: III. Scherzo

Amazon.com

The heart of this symphony lies in its second movement, a tiny four-minute whirlwind of a piece that the composer claimed represents the malevolent evil of Joseph Stalin. Neeme Järvi whips it up to a frenzy that has to be heard to be believed. The 10th is, arguably, the composer's greatest symphony, and this is also the greatest performance in Järvi's generally impressive Shostakovich cycle. The piece is full of autobiographical references, including the composer's four- note musical monogram (you hear it most clearly at the very end of the third movement). The work was being completed just as Stalin died, and at the climax of the finale his music returns, only to be stomped by the composer's own tune. A symbolic victory, perhaps, but a heartfelt one too. -- David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Solid Shostakovich.......2003-01-31

Neeme Jarvi and the Scottish National Orchestra deliver a vital account of one of Shostakovich's most stimulating and complex works. In the opening movement, though a cloud of austerity generally maintains an enveloping presence, there are moments when Jarvi, through Shostakovich, seems to convey a sense of pain so acute that it threatens to push the musical envelope toward expressions of dread and helplessness. The second movement, intensely biting and demonic, is played with the speed of a whirling dervish. The third movement is one of the most fascinating displays of musical emotion I have ever heard. It seems as if the heroic side of the human spirit (horns) is struggling to assert itself against the forces of darkness and oppression. In the final movement, Jarvi spares no effort in driving home what some construe as a statement of the composer's vindication associated with the passing of dictator Joseph Stalin. Can this be a jolt of life-affirming exuberance ? In any event, this is surely a most eloquent and imposing work, interpreted and recorded here extremely well...The Ballet Suite No. 4 is an interesting piece that appears to contain elements of Prokofiev and Khachaturian. It is a welcome following act to the symphony.

As good as Karajan or Haitink.......2002-01-18

Tremendous and very compelling. I don't think that Jarvi misjudges a thing anywhere. I have to agree about his masterly handling of the first movement, but all that fuss about the snare in #2 is just fuss. It is the snare drum against everyone else, and I think that's a valid interpretation.

The last movement is particularly bitter and biting. Jarvi doesn't let us off to hook after the destruction of the Stalin theme, and keeps us in agony right through the "triumphant" ending.

The SNO is really meaty on disk, the Chandos sound is thick and vivid. Altogether, a great performance.

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