Shostakovich: Chamber Symphony, From Jewish Folk Poetry, Etc

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This compilation of reissues makes for an excellent Shostakovich disc. The Chamber Symphony Op. 110a and the Symphony for Strings Op. 118a are actually arrangements of two Shostakovich string quartets (No. 8 and No. 10, respectively) made by Rudolf Barshai with the composer's approval. Of the two, Symphony for Strings makes a greater impact in its expanded version, given the inherent symphonic writing of the original. Quartet No. 8 is a more inward, personal work, and while the Chamber Symphony arrangement is effective, the work's gritty intensity is more powerfully conveyed by just four instruments, without the added padding to soften its lacerating blows. Nevertheless, the I Musici de Montréal players give a bracing account of both works, from the quiet elegiac moments of Op. 110a to the full-frontal assault of Op. 118a's tutti passages. Yuli Turovsky's single-minded leadership has the band sounding as close to a huge string quartet as possible. The final third of this well-packed disc is taken up with the songs From Jewish Folk Poetry, composed in 1948 in response to a new and brutal wave of anti-Semitism sweeping the Soviet Union, and then kept hidden in a drawer by Shostakovich for many years. The poems actually describe the hard life for Jews under the Czar, allowing Shostakovich to speak about their current plight using coded allegory. Nadia Pelle, Mary Ann Hart, and Rodney Nolan bring to life the misery, terror, and humor contained within the texts, and make listening to these songs a deeply moving experience. Chandos has captured it all in full, rich sound. --Victor Carr, ClassicsToday.com


Product Description:


  • Catalog Number: CHAN 6617


  • UPC: 095115661727


  • Label: Chandos


  • Composer: Dmitri Shostakovich


  • Conductor: Yuli Turovsky


  • Orchestra/Ensemble: I Musici de Montreal


  • Performer: Mary Ann Hart, Nadia Pelle, Rodney Nolan