Dmitri Shostakovich: Symphony No. 2, Op. 14 "To October" / Symphony No. 3, Op. 20 "The First of May" / Suite from "The Bolt", Op. 27a - Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra / Neeme Järvi
Shostakovich's Second and Third Symphonies are crudely propagandistic affairs, dealing, respectively, with the October Revolution and May Day. They're among the least played of his works. But for all their faults, they show flashes of the young composer's genius and retain interest until they sink in the mire of the closing choruses, which loudly declaim their drivel. Coming after the brilliant First Symphony, these two are a big letdown, but admirers of the composer should hear them, since they have smudged fingerprints of stylistic traits later developed more fully and satisfactorily.The Boltis a suite derived from a satiric 1931 ballet. Its eight movements include some deliciously funny episodes and spirited high jinks. The entire program is played with committed advocacy by Neeme Järvi and his excellent Swedish orchestra. Shostakovich completists will want this; neophytes should start with later masterpieces, like the Fourth, Fifth, Eighth, and Tenth Symphonies, reflective of the composer at his best.--Dan Davis