Shostakovich: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 6 ~ Temirkanov
This disc contains a surprise and a disappointment. The surprise is Yuri Temirkanov's jaunty run through Shostakovich's youthful Symphony No. 1, written when the composer was just 19. The St. Petersburg Philharmonic seems to take great delight with the diverse palette of orchestral colors the symphony presents; it also takes well to its sudden mood changes. However, the Sixth Symphony here is a botch. Everyone seems to be having an off day. The pacing of the magnificent opening movement is much too fast and the sound dynamics of the recording studio allow for too much shrillness in the woodwinds and flatness in the percussion. Adrian Boult'stake on the Sixthis still the best; and the First still belongs toBernstein.--Paul Cook