Posted by Richard on February 15, 2001 at 01:52:59:
In Reply to: Shostakovich's 5th - Triumph or Tragedy? posted by Aubrey Foard on February 15, 2001 at 00:02:14:
Not entirely one thing or the other, but the finale, especially the coda, is a mockery of triumph. Needs to be gruelingly slow and loud (the coda) to make this point. The strings, especially the violins must made to CRANK. Few conductors have the conviction to take this route, and just do the usual standard bombast.