Composer: Dmitri Shostakovich
Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Bernard Haitink
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: LPO
Catalogue: LPO0034
Release: 2008
Size: 242 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Symphony No. 10 in E Minor, Op. 93
01. I. Moderato
02. II. Allegro
03. III. Allegretto
04. IV. Andante: Allegro
Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony was first performed shortly after Stalin’s death in 1953. This was the first of his works to be completed without the restraints of strict communist artistic control hanging over him. A dark and tragic tone is projected throughout the symphony and the distinct contrasts create a dramatic and intense work.
Recorded live at the Royal Albert Hall during the 1986 BBC Proms under conductor Bernard Haitink, the London Philharmonic Orchestra gives a compelling account of this monumental symphony. He instinctively knows with this symphony when to increase tension and when to relax – and whilst relaxing he never loses your attention, there is always direction and an onward undercurrent. The tiny rays of sunshine in the otherwise ominous slow opening are perfectly judged examples of this.