Shostakovich: Symphonies Nos. 2, 3, 12 & 13

 
Shostakovich: Symphonies Nos. 2, 3, 12 & 13 cover $70.00 In Stock add to cart

DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH
Shostakovich: Symphonies Nos. 2, 3, 12 & 13
Boston Symphony Orchestra, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, Andris Nelsons, with Matthias Goerne (bass-baritone)

[ Deutsche Grammophon / 3 CD ]

Release Date: Friday 10 November 2023

"his Shostakovich cycle at least ends as convincingly as it began eight years ago." Guardian

In this latest installment of their acclaimed Shostakovich cycle, Andris Nelsons and the Boston Symphony Orchestra explore the composer's shifting identity and political convictions under the Soviet regime, tracing with the four symphonies on this album a 35-year span in Shostakovich's creative and personal evolution: from youthful idealism to mature disillusionment and resignation. The orchestra and its Musical Director are joined by bass-baritone Matthias Goerne who gives an impressive performance of the "Babi Yar" solos in Symphony No. 13. The Tanglewood Festival Chorus (chorus master: James Burton) gives a strong support in the choral parts of Symphonies Nos. 2, 3 and 13, and are joining powers in the mighty Symphony No. 13 with the New England Conservatory Symphonic Choir (chorus master: Erica J. Washburn). This set comes as a 3 CD multipack. The booklet (32 pages) includes liner notes by Harlow Robinson in English and German and all original lyrics in Russian (romanized) with English translation.

"The whole symphony [No. 13] is fuelled by the anger of its poetry, and with Matthias Goerne as the light-toned but eloquent bass-baritone soloist, Nelsons responds accordingly, so that his Shostakovich cycle at least ends as convincingly as it began eight years ago." Guardian

"The cycle has been a monumental achievement, and this final instalment is as shattering and insightful as earlier ones. It is hard to single out highlights, although orchestra and choir in the second symphony's To October, and Matthias Goerne in the 13th's opening movement, are breathtaking." Sunday Times

Tracks:

Symphony No. 2 in B major, Op. 14 'To October'
Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, Op. 20 'The First of May'
Symphony No. 12 in D minor, Op. 112 'The Year 1917'
Symphony No. 13 in B flat minor, Op. 113 'Babi Yar'