GENNADI RODHDESTVENSKY: Conducts Shostakovich (The Russian Archives) [CD de audio] USSR Radio & TV Symphony Orchestra, USSR Min

It is difficult to imagine a more authentic Shostakovich: for many years, the great Russian conductor Gennady Rozhdestvensky was in the circle of composer Dmitri Shostakovich, discussing and performing his works with him, and gaining insight into the multi-layered meanings of the symphonies. , masterpieces of the 20th century. Included are the great symphonies 7 'Leningrad', 9 and 10, the vocal cycle Michelangelo Suite (with legendary bassist Evgeny Nesterenko) and the ballet suite The Bolt. A launch of historical importance. Born in Moscow on May 4, 1931, Gennady Rozhdestvensky is one of Russia's greatest conductors. After studying at the city's Conservatory, he later became associated with orchestras such as the Bolshoi and Western ensembles such as the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic. He was a Proms regular, a man with an extensive and complex discography who was equally at home in opera and ballet as he was in symphony and concert. Here the maestro conducts an all-Shostakovich program, beginning with the imposing Leningrad Symphony. Dedicated to Russia's fight against fascism, to the composer's hometown, this program heavy on the sinister events of 1941 is followed by the lesser-known Symphony No. 9, music that presents an immediate contrast to the first through its calm and serene air. Michelangelo Buonarroti's verse suites op.145a form the focal point of the collection; Based on eight sonnets and three poems, this highly philosophical piece dealing with themes such as anger at injustice in the world precedes the monumental tenth symphony, both a portrait of Stalin and a transmission of human feelings and passions. Another suite, The Bolt, based on the ballet composed between 1930 and 1931, completes the lineup. Based on live recordings that were made between 1968 and 1982, this compilation contains impressive performances by both the Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra of the USSR and the Symphony Orchestra of the USSR Ministry of Culture. Rozhdestvensky was an authority on Shostakovich, and the set shows it: a worthy addition to Brilliant Classics ' Russian Archives series.