5 von 5
Anonym
26. August 2011
Künstlerische Qualität:
5 von 5
Exellent performances and recording!
This is an impressive cycle of Shostakovitchs complete symphonies, one that should be in the possession of all who have a genuine interest in this music.
Performance
Maestro Kitaenko usually opts for a somewhat slower tempo, which is especially beneficial for the slow movements, allowing all the long lines to deploy fully. The emotional impact of such movements (such as the first movements of symphonies VI or X) reaches very high points, since Maestro Kitaenko retains a firm grip of the whole structure. Such slow movements are turned into large songs of sorrow and anguish like very few, if any, other conductor manages. However, in those movements that display brutality and sarcasm (such as V/2 or VIII/3), Maestro Kitaenkos approach is less successful, making such movements look too polite. However, repeated hearings and sincere attention take this impression partially away.
The orchestra is a splendid one, fully up to this music, and completely fulfilling in following and expressing that what Maestro Kitaenko wants with this music. The bass soloist, despite a fine voice, seems a bit too weak in Symphony XIII, being almost overwhelmed by the orchestra at times.
In all, Id give a 9 out of 10 for the performances.
Recording.
This is simply splendid, the whole of the orchestras sound is captured in such a way that everything from a solo-instrument to the whole of the orchestra in full battle (Symphony IV!) is completely clear. 10 out of 10!
Packaging.
Here are some strange things. One problem is the split of Symphony VII over two discs (CD 4 has Symphony VI plus VII/1&2, CD5 has Symphony VII/3&4 plus Symphony IX). The reason for this is a mystery to me, since VII would fit nicely onto one CD.
A real problem is that the CDs come in sealed envelopes, which have to be cut open with a knife of scissors. Since one does not wish to damage the CDs in the envelopes, and the envelopes are a tight fit, this is a nerve wracking job. A big fault here, I think!
The booklet is extensive and informative. The sung texts are given in English, German and French translation, but strangely the original Russian is left out.
In all, I would give this set, based on performance and recording, a 9,5 out of 10. Since I mst make do with a 5 star system, I will give 5 stars. That in combination with the very friendly price makes this set a winner!
