Posted by Gary Press on February 21, 2002 at 18:00:13:
In Reply to: Shostakovich Sym #13 recording posted by Tim Byrum on February 21, 2002 at 15:42:26:
I was at the performances that ultiimately became this recording. I must admit, I had doubts about what Kurt Masur's vision of this symphony might be. He doesn't really have the aggression in him that I believe so much of Shostakovich's music really needs.
But Masur really captured the ominous darkness of this symphony better than anyone I've heard so far. The playing is top-notch (including some truly wonderful playing by Warren Deck, especially in the movement entitled "Fears")and hearing Yevgeny Yevtushenko recite his poem "Babi Yar" that speaks of the terror following the October Revolution is a real bonus.
Definitely a CD to have in your collection.