Shostakovich: Symphony No. 8

Album review

Any listeners even remotely interested in historically significant recordings or the intricate political and historical saga that surrounded Dmitry Shostakovich would do well to own this album. In the context of Soviet history, the Eighth Symphony was written at a time when the Soviet army was driving out Nazi invaders; however, this symphony does anything but celebrate this victory. It was this symphony the Russian government cited when Shostakovich was censured. The liner notes of this album don't do all they could to elucidate this history and all its intricacies. The recording itself is also historically significant. Conductor Yevgeny Mravinsky not only gave the premiere of the symphony, but was the only conductor to receive a dedication on one of Shostakovich's symphonies. Another interesting note is that this live recording was originally released on the Philips label to immense critical acclaim, but it was later discovered that it was burned to the disc at a half-step too high in pitch and a corresponding ratio faster than the actual performance. The performance heard here is at the correct pitch and tempo. The playing is indeed an aggressive, intense, take-no-prisoners type of performance. Mravinsky never hesitates to take risks, no matter how bold. Some of them are highly successful and some are not, but the sheer emotion put forth is truly something to behold. Don't buy this recording if you're looking for a technically flawless rendition; there are plenty of pitch problems and some ensemble difficulties, as well. But if you want a glimpse at the emotional state of mind present at the premiere of this work, then you're in for a treat.
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