Bernstein Conducts Shostakovich

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Leonard Bernstein's performances of Shostakovich were almost as highly regarded as his Mahler. This performance of the Fifth Symphony was the highlight of his celebrated tour of the Soviet Union with the New York Philharmonic in 1959. The composer himself attended the performances and approved of Bernstein's interpretation, which is the exact opposite of the traditional Russian one. Rather than take the finale ponderously, Bernstein flies through the music at a frantic pace, carrying it forward with irresistible momentum. The Ninth Symphony is the composer's lightest and most carefree. Bernstein walks the fine line between humor and seriousness with acrobatic skill. --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

Sym No.5 in d, Op.47: I. Moderato
Sym No.5 in d, Op.47: II. Allegretto
Sym No.5 in d, Op.47: III. Largo
Sym No.5 in d, Op.47: IV. Allegro Non Troppo
Sym No.9 in E flat, Op.70: I. Allegro
Sym No.9 in E flat, Op.70: II. Moderato
Sym No.9 in E flat, Op.70: III. Presto
Sym No.9 in E flat, Op.70: IV. Largo - Manuel Zegler
Sym No.9 in E flat, Op.70: V. Allegretto

Amazon.com essential recording

Leonard Bernstein's performances of Shostakovich were almost as highly regarded as his Mahler. This performance of the Fifth Symphony was the highlight of his celebrated tour of the Soviet Union with the New York Philharmonic in 1959. The composer himself attended the performances and approved of Bernstein's interpretation, which is the exact opposite of the traditional Russian one. Rather than take the finale ponderously, Bernstein flies through the music at a frantic pace, carrying it forward with irresistible momentum. The Ninth Symphony is the composer's lightest and most carefree. Bernstein walks the fine line between humor and seriousness with acrobatic skill. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

The best version of the 5th. Period........1999-07-27

If you ever decide to look for Shostakovich's 5th symphony, then this is the version to look for. This version blows away all the other versions. Add the 9th and you have a best buy.

Nice Change of Pace.......1999-06-10

While I personally prefer slower tempos in this symphony allowing more subtlety in the music, sometimes it is just fun to hear it much faster and with more boisterousness. Bernstien has shown us a bit of a different side of this music and I like the overall effect. The NY Phil. is playing great as well. The ninth symphony is splendidly done and is well worth the price of admission alone.

The Single Greatest Version of the 5th.......1999-02-28

While Bernstein is quite often too Malherian in his approach to Shostakovich (the 14th). We find both orchestra and conductor in top form here. Every movement is polished, stunning in exacting detail (except the faster finale opening). Mravinsky is no match here, nor is Jansons or Ormandy, or Maxim. The 1959 sound is aslo stunning. Also, Berstein's 1959 performance received raves from Shostakovich himself. With the generous filler 9th, this disc is self- reccomending essential in any collection.