Shostakovich: Symphony Nos 1 & 5

Advantages: Powerful, emotional music
Disadvantages: Can be overpowering

...Shostakovich was a clever and diplomatic composer. Although many will argue otherwise, it is generally accepted that he was, like most of his country, pretty unhappy with the whole Stalin era. But on seeing what happened to other composers and artists in his situation, he managed to write music with a kind of double meaning. His 5th symphony - probably the most famous, was subheaded "A musicians response to just criticism" after Stalin severely reprimanded his work "Lady Macbeth of Mtsenk", labelling it anti-Soviet. The final movement of the 5th Symphony includes what is apparently a proud patriotic march - but on closer listening, some would say that it is exaggerated and sarcastic. There is also a movement which is mournful and is said to represent a lament for the suffering of his people. Somehow, he got away with it... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: A new way to hear Beethoven
Disadvantages: Surpassed by some later period cycles

...sprightly and enjoyably. It is particularly good to have the first movement introduction taken at a brisker pace than normal for the added sense of authenticity. Only the Adagio could have been slightly slower to proprly bring out the poetic quality of the music, but it still comes off beautifully enough. Not one of the strongest in the set but not bad either. Symphony No.5 in C minor, Op.67 The Fifth Symphony is one of the most exciting of the set. The opening movement has to be the fastest I have ever heard, accentuating the compactness of the movement. The exposition alone takes only about 1:20, with the entire movement clocking in at 6:28. It does make the music perhaps a little too frenetic to come off completely satisfactorily, but there is no denying the excitement and menace of the movement. The rest of the symphony also comes off... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: A powerful experience to make you think
Disadvantages: Too much thinking makes the brain ache

...“What's Floon trying to do to us with this highbrow stuff?” I hear you cry. “Why doesn’t he write about really interesting things like toothbrushes, hair conditioner and peanut butter?” Good question. I guess the answer is, “To each his own.” I find it hard to become passionate about hair conditioner, as a brief glance at my photo will tell you. I am, however, passionate about music and if I can carry a few others with me I am well pleased, especially when I know the pleasure to be had from great works. We all want to share those things that give us most pleasure, don’t we? I have loved Shostakovich’s Eleventh Symphony since I first discovered it courtesy of Coventry Record Library in about 1960 as a schoolboy. Interestingly, some of my more “cool” (i.e. Rock and Roll loving) friends also got hooked on it because of its louder... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful