Shostakovich Symphonies

[pbarach]

I have listened to several of the recordings from the Haitink cycle, and IMO they are variable. I thought 2 and 3 were excellent, 13 had great sound and was an exciting performance, and 9 was the best performance I've heard of the piece (with razor-sharp playing from the LPO and excellent sound). On the other hand, 5 was dull, recorded distantly, and lacked impact. 14, with its mishmash of languages, was the least interesting performance of the piece I've heard (I prefer the Rostropovich recording with Visknevskaya and Reshetin). I also have the Barshai complete set--it has its good and bad points as well, but the sound lacks bass throughout. Why (other than economics) should anyone choose a complete set of a conductor's performances of these symphonies when inevitably there are individual performances that the listener will prefer?

 

[JayG]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bunnyears /img/forum/go_quote.gif Jay, It only took about 10 days for me to receive the set. Maybe I just got lucky and ordered as it came in. If only I could turn my sound system on and listen! I've got a house full of guests and they are all glued to the set in the living room watching the ncaa basketball. That keeps me in the kitchen, hiding away with the food.

You were indeed lucky. For a long time they were telling me that they didn't know when they would be able to get it, but then about halfway through December they said they had talked to their distributor and were told it would probably be available in mid January. Luckily that is what happened.

-Jay

 

[Bunnyears]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayG /img/forum/go_quote.gif You were indeed lucky. For a long time they were telling me that they didn't know when they would be able to get it, but then about halfway through December they said they had talked to their distributor and were told it would probably be available in mid January. Luckily that is what happened. -Jay

I actually saw that set when I was trying to locate the earlier Rozh. set which included the other orchestral music. That one is, I suppose, the real holy grail. Hopefully I'll be able to listen to it tomorrow. Today is all about Football in my house (5 tvs all on the same games. Men!

)

 

[JayG]

Let's not be too critical of sports fanatacism, now. I'm a music freak, but you better believe that every Saturday during college football season is entirely dedicated to the pigskin. I'm not so enthusiastic about the NFL, but it's still football, which means it's still good. And NCAA basketball is enjoyable also; nothing like the organized thuggery of the NBA.

And by the way, Go Gators! Let's just say it's a good time to be in Gainesville.

-Jay

 

[eyeresist]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbarach /img/forum/go_quote.gif Why (other than economics) should anyone choose a complete set of a conductor's performances of these symphonies when inevitably there are individual performances that the listener will prefer?

'Cause it's quicker and easier to buy in bulk!

 

[pbarach]

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyeresist /img/forum/go_quote.gif 'Cause it's quicker and easier to buy in bulk!

Yes, but not if you want the best performances of every symphony, because I'm betting that not too many Shosty-symphony-fanatics think that any single conductor has recorded the best version of every work.

 

[eyeresist]

Hmm. Based on my own experience, I think the process goes something like this:

1. Hear one or two pieces by a composer -> become interested
2. Buy a boxset - for 2 reasons: (a) to get a "lay of the land" as far as the composer's work goes, after which you can begin the process of supplementation; (b) hoping against hope that a great set will eliminate or delay the alternative of spending years and dollars searching for better versions
3. Do research and buy selectively

If years and dollars mean little to you, then you can skip step 2, but I think buying a box set can be a useful part of the process of getting to know a composer. Also, some recordings are only available in box sets, and some conductors are interesting enough make investing in a cycle worthwhile (I'm hanging out for the ultimate Mravinsky box).

 

[seacard]

Awfully quiet in this thread. I demand reviews.

Bunny -- how do you like the Rozhdestvensky and M. Shostakovich?
Jay -- how do you like the 40 sets you ordered from HMV?
Tyson -- how do you like the Kitajenko?

 

[DarkAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by seacard /img/forum/go_quote.gif Awfully quiet in this thread. I demand reviews. Bunny -- how do you like the Rozhdestvensky and M. Shostakovich? Jay -- how do you like the 40 sets you ordered from HMV? Tyson -- how do you like the Kitajenko?

Yes much new buying and no discussion...........

Also I believe Tyson got several Jarvi/Chandos Cds to listen to........

I am especially interested in current Rozhy set from HMV japan, could be on its way with a push of the buy button

 

[JayG]

I got my order from my relatives a few days ago. I have had the chance so far to listen to #5, 9, 7, 11, and 14 from the Kondrashin set. I was not thrilled with 5; It was good, but it didn't give me that sense of bitter madcap irony that the best interpretations do. Also the sound on that symphony is very thin. The other four were uniformly excellent. Kondrashin's 9 is nearly perfect, definitely my new favorite of that piece. His 7 is also very very good, probably on par with Bernstein's CSO recording. Number 11 was the best normal speed reading of the symphony that I've heard, although I think I still prefer Slava's almost unbelievable slow and heartbreaking LSO recording (though I know some people hate it). 14 was awesome, though I do wish it were less spot-miked since it throws the singers and orchestra out of proportion. But that's a small concern with such a great performance.

I can't wait to hear the rest. I have high hopes based on what I've heard so far. The remaster sounds like it's probably as good as it could be considering the original source material, but I'd still like to upload a short clip to compare to the same clip from someone's Aulos set. If my suspicions are correct, this Venezia set is an absolute steal.

I haven't spun any of the Rozhd or Mravinsky sets yet, but soon I promise. Can't wait to compare Kondrashin and Rozhd especially.

-Jay

 

[DarkAngel]

Yes you have a spectacular haul there..........the Kondrashin will have to top the list as far as sheer energy and dramatic impact is concerned. The sound is spotlighted and somewhat thin, but also can be very detailed and revealing.
I think this is more problematic for headphone listeners, regular stereo tends to blend channels better in open space. I do not think the Aulos has better sound although I have not heard both, so I would not be concerned.

I think Kondrashin make best case of anyone for S2 S3 which usually don't work well, they almost sound good.

I want to know about Rozhy...........

 

[eyeresist]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkAngel /img/forum/go_quote.gif I want to know about Rozhy...........

Yes - I'm waiting for Jay and DA to deliver their official verdicts on the Russian sets! Especially since I've finally discovered the wonders of HMV Japan, which I wouldn't have known of without this thread, thank you very much.

 

[DarkAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyeresist /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yes - I'm waiting for Jay and DA to deliver their official verdicts on the Russian sets! Especially since I've finally discovered the wonders of HMV Japan, which I wouldn't have known of without this thread, thank you very much. Jay mentioned Slava - What are people's opinions of the Slava/Naxos set?

There is no question for me that Kondrashin/Aulos is my favorite complete set, and Mravinsky partial set is very nearly as good and similar in style.....both are essential. From other Rozhy stuff I have I suspect he is not as quite as good but I could be wrong, will wait to get some opinions here

Of the modern sound sets my favorite is Jarvi Chandos/DG (not quite complete set but very close)

 

[Tyson]

I agree w/DA, the Aulos set of Kondrashin is tops (and sound is markedly better than the older incarnations). Next is Mravinsky. Then a fair gap to get to Jarvi and Barshai (both with good sound, but very different styles).

 

[eyeresist]

I notice HMV has a set of Kurt Sanderling's Shosty - 1, 5, 6, 8, 10, 15 (on 5 discs, so you'd hope there are some fillers) .
That's something else we don't get in the West, for some reason.