Customer Reviews

Shostakovich: Symphonies No. 6 & No. 10

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is an orchestra known for its size--much like, in my opinion, the Chicago Symphony. However, under Litton's baton, this orchestra pumps out quite a memorable performance of these two works by Shostakovich, quite possibly the best on the market.

To begin with, the orchestra musicians are simply amazing--Shostakovich can often sound muddled and messy--but it is obvious that the musicians put individual time into their parts, because every part is executed so cleanly. For example, the chromatic runs in the second movment of Symphony No. 6 are performed almost perfectly in tune by the entire violin section--a very difficutl feat for string players.
Speaking of the Tenth Symphony, I must confess that I grew very accostumed to the Karajan recording, thinking that no better recording would ever be produced. Truth be told, this recording really does, in many ways, blow the Karajan recording out of the water! The interpretation of this piece is incredible, and Litton brings out every dynamic change and articulation, which is what makes this piece and performance so brilliant. You would expect the Dallas Symphony Orchestra to lambast the piece with loudness, but quite the contrary occurs--every detail is given notice. For example, in the riveting second movement, the Karajan interpretation is just one thing: LOUD! But Litton's interpretation brings out every change in dynamics, every slur, every accent--nothing goes unnoticed.

This is a truly amazing compilation--the performances are simply superb and to make things even better, the sound quality is great! A must have for classical music collectors!

The Dallas Symphony does a remarkable job of delivering heart-wrenching melodies and causing adrenaline rushes. The second movement of the 10th symphony has so much energy and inertia, you wont know what to do!! The second movement of the sixth symphony displays virtuosity in all of the sections but especially in the woodwinds. The Eb clarinet solo in the begining is nothing short of perfection. If you buy this CD, you will most certainly not regret it.

Delos has been making superior recordings in Dallas throughout Litton's tenure with the orchestra, yet too often his sense of caution has undermined a potentially great recording. Here the balance is more favorable -- musicianship and sonics combine for a thrilling experience. One has only to listen to the massed strings in the first movement of the Shostakovich Sixth, which depends on a full orchestral sonority from the groaning basses through sighing violins and elegaic violins. Here we get the whole spectrum in full, rich sound. The second movement is rollicking without being too manic; the finale gallops a la William Tell with suitable panache. a very rewarding reading all around.

The Tenth is a more ambitious and complex work, considered by many to be the composer's symphonic masterpiece. Litton must contend with masterful recordings by Stokowski, Karajan, and Mravinsky (mysteriously, Bernstein never recorded this monumental work, although he did Sym. #1, #5, #6, #7, and #9). Litton's account isn't in that league, but he's carried over the line by spectacular sound and very committed playing by his Dallas musicians. the first movement doesn't emerge as one powerful rising arc. The Scherzo hits with great impact, not as biting as Mravinsky but powered by deep, full orchestral sound. (I don't hear the satiric edge that the Amazon reviewer does.) Happily, Litton is forceful and diret in the next movement, which I often find mincing and tentative. Shostakovich's biggest symphonies have a tendency to end disappointingly, usually in sorrow rather than triumph, and the Tenth's ending isn't easy. Litton enjoys one of the most vivid renditions, again thanks to great sound and playing.

In all, the total package here rises to a very high level. Strongly recommended as an exciting listen.

I was most interested in the 6th when I obtained this recording. I selected this recording based on the outstanding review in Gramophone The Good CD & DVD Guide 2006, which gives top notch praise to the performance of the 6th. I have been very pleased with the recording but I have no reference point except one recent live performance I sat through. Both the live performance by the Jansons and the Bavarian Radio Symphony and this performance by Dallas were awesome.

One of the reviews says Litton isn't in the league with Karajan & Bernstein? Baloney!! This performance has all the passion, excitement and depth of the best performances but with better sound. Dan Davis is right on target. Litton does a fine job and so does the Dallas symphony.

This is a good CD of the 10th, but my expectations were a bit too high. I think the DePriest/Helsinki recording and performance is slightly better.