Shostakovich Symphonies Nos 1, 15

To hear Shostakovich's first and last thoughts in the symphonic genre so closely juxtaposed is fascinating ... Gergiev leads a passionate account of the First Symphony, all violins soaring and brass blazing, and totally persuades the listener of Shostakovich's contrasting subtlety in the slower moments. The conductor seems to understand instinctively where Shostakovich is looking knowingly to the past and when he's breaking out in a new direction and the insight brought out of the score is inspiring ... The future titles in the series are well worth looking forward to.

By emphasising the playful exuberance of Shostakovich's writing, Gergiev discovers a middle path that brings these two symphonies closer than one would have through possible. The result is a tour-de-force of recreative bravado, into which the Mariinsky Orchestra throws itself with alacrity.

The orchestra under Gergiev is terrific. Doom laden brass, jaunty woodwind and clattering percussion all come together with total conviction.

Gergiev's pairing of Shostakovich's first and last symphonies makes great sense considering the many thematic cross-references they share. The performances show the conductor at his feverish, insightful best.

'impressively recorded in the sumptuous acoustics of the new Mariinsky Concert Hall'

Performance ***** Sound *****

Gergiev's performance of the 15th sounds the valedictory culmination of his symphonic life's work - deeply moving ... These works are meat and drink for Gergiev's outstanding Mariinsky players.

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