Customer Reviews

Symphony No. 5, Op. 47: New Collected Works of Dmitri Shostakovich - Volume 5

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

 

 

Overall, I am completely satisfied with the new DSCH edition of Shostakovich 5. Print is clear, the layout is the same as the last edition but it seems to be completely computer-re-engraved. Until now I've found only one mistake in one viola passage in first movement (don't have the score with me at the moment, so ask for bar number later :)). Just for you to know, the 9th symphony of the same DSCH edition has quite aqward bar numbering system, counting upbeat bar as bar 1 and prima volta & seconda volta as different bars. So be careful when using DSCH score of 9th with western orchestra material! The edition of 5th is though highly recommended, it is a masterpiece of great Soviet composer!

This symphony has been in print in several editions before, notably by Boosey and Hawkes and in the DSCH collected edition. Whilst good these editions have had one particular drawback above others: clarity of reading, a somewhat important issue for a musician. This edition has been totally retypeset and the benefit is immediately obvious. The print is clear and easy to read even from a distance. Even the most complex passages are legible.

At the back of the score is some useful history of the work together with some notes about differences between the editions. The score has been well made and opens flat and there is no show through of print from the facing page. All in all an excellent edition at a very reasonable price. Make it a part of your library.

The official book description says "Each volume contains: new engravings; articles regarding the history of the compositions; facsimile pages of Shostakovich's manuscripts, outlines and rough drafts; plus interpretations of the manuscripts." FALSE. No engravings, no facsimile pages, no outlines, no rough drafts! This volume includes only the score itself, and 5 pages of comments about the score and its history. It's not like the score is somehow deficient without the promised facsimiles and drafts, but it is ridiculous that the publisher falsely advertises them.

I bought this to study so I could do Symphony no. 5 for my Phantom Regiment Audition. It was very very helpful to be able to follow along so easily with the music right in front of me, before I knew the piece very well. Like someone else said in a review above me, it lays flat and the print is easy to read. It is definitely worth the money. FOR SURE. :)
Shostakovich is amazing.

I was very impressed with the score. Excellent clarity, and perfect for conducting from. It lays flat.

The only thing that I didn't realise and wasn't too happy about was that it is a Non-Transposing Score

This score really helps clarifying lots of issues around Shostakovich's music.
Existing other scores still contain many errors or mistakes.