Shostakovich: Symphonies 2 & 11 / Gergiev

Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Orchestra & Chorus

Shostakovich: Symphonies Nos 2, 11

The second release in Valery Gergiev's Shostakovich Symphony cycle features Symphonies Nos 2 & 11. As with the first release in the series, which featured Symphonies Nos 1 & 15 (see over) and was nominated for two Grammy Awards, Gergiev conducts works from opposite ends of Shostakovich's career.
The Second and Eleventh symphonies are both inspired by Russian revolutions. The Eleventh Symphony, subtitled "The Year 1905" marks the bloody revolution of that year. It is an astonishingly atmospheric symphony, of cinematic breadth, especially in second movement which depicts the Bloody Sunday massacre in St Petersburg.
Symphony No 2 was written to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the October Revolution. At less than 20 minutes, it is a much shorter work than the Eleventh symphony yet no less dramatic. Although dismissed by the composer later in his career as an experiment, it remains an important step in the development of one of the greatest symphonists and both works receive definitive performances from the Mariinsky Orchestra and Chorus.
Gergiev and the Mariinsky tour in the US during October where Gergiev also conducts at the Metropolitan Opera. In November they visit Paris and Berlin. Gergiev also conducts the LSO in London as well as on tour in Japan during November. During December the Mariinsky and Gergiev visit Vienna.
The Mariinsky label's other recent releases include Wagner's Parsifal, which is Disc of the Month in BBC Music Magazine. In November LSO Live releases a recording of Ravel's Daphnis et Chloé, Boléro and Pavane pour une infante défunte conducted by Gergiev.

Price: $23.98