Shostakovich, Dmitri (1906-1975) - Shostakovich Symphony No.10 : Kurt Sanderling / New Philharmonia (1973), Balakirev Islamey : Kirill Kondrashin / Royal Philharmonic (1978) - Import CD

Credits:

Christian Ferras

Description:

First time out! Shostakovich No. 10 by Sanderling & New Philharmonia, Isramay by Kondrashin & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra! The Shostakovich Symphony No. 10 conducted by Sanderling is known for the session recording with the Berlin Symphony Orchestra in 1977 and the live recording with Orchestre National de France in 1978, but this is the first live recording from 1973. The most well-known recordings with the New Philharmonia Orchestra, of which he was the principal guest conductor at the time, include a Beethoven recording made in the 1980s, but even though this live recording was made early in his career, the two orchestras were in perfect communication. The low center of gravity of the music is typical of Sanderling, but the tremendous buildup at the climax of the first and fourth movements and the tension in the second movement are wonderful, and the applause at the end of the performance was enthusiastic. The coupling is "Islamei" conducted by Kondrashin, and the version arranged by Casella recorded here seems to have been in his repertoire since his Soviet days, but this is the first release of the recording. The colorful and very detailed orchestration is neatly put together, and the contrasts that lead to the fast-moving climax are truly remarkable. This is a high-quality stereo recording, digitally remastered by Paul Bailey, who has earned a reputation for reissuing historical sources from the original BBC tapes.The result is a wonderful sound that brings out the best in these performances. Naxos Japan