Mstislav Rostropovich, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Eugene Ormandy - Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No. 1 & Symphony No. 1 (2011)
WEB | FLAC (tracks) - 312 MB | 57:16
Genre: Classical | Label: Sony Classical
WEB | FLAC (tracks) - 312 MB | 57:16
Genre: Classical | Label: Sony Classical
Sony Classical's Great Performances Series has scored yet another winner with its coupling of Shostakovich's Symphony No. 1 and the First Cello Concerto. Previously released individually, the close proximity in the recording dates of these two works (1959 and 1960) makes them a natural choice for a pairing. Continuing in the Philadelphia Orchestra tradition, the performance of the Symphony No. 1 follows the 1928 United States premiere of the work, given by the same orchestra and conducted by Ormandy's predecessor, Leopold Stokowski. Inherited from him is the notably lush sound of Philadelphia's lower strings, which capture the essence of Shostakovich's weighty harmonies.