In Short - One of the Greatest Performances Ever
5
By Retrofit Reviews
The CSO won a Grammy for Best Orchestral Performance for this recording, and they certainly deserved it. The CSO Resound Shostakovich 4 with Haitink conducting is one of the most enthralling musical experiences I have yet to listen to. Shostakovich has fallen under great criticism for the unconventionality of his Fourth Symphony, especially in the subject of form. The structure of his chaotic first and third movements has been the topic of great debate and perculation. But the inventiveness of the music completely hides the symphony's daring form. And the orchestra's performance of this symphony makes up for it too. From the very beginning, this recording grabs hold of you and doesn't even let go once the monstrous finale is over. The sounds the orchestra produce are nearly impossible. The best part of the recording is without a doubt the finale. Some of the biggest orchestral sounds you will ever hear fill up your mind only to come crashing down in a very soft but very powerful and VERY dark conclusion to a fantastic piece, one that I feel is greatly underrated among Shostakovich's other works. This recording will make you wonder why Shostakovich's 4th Symphony is not as talked about as some of his others. Shostakovich's depiction of the toiling working class of communist Russia, working to build up a country that was doomed from the start from ashes to only more ashes and flame, is captivating and tragic. Subtle traces of the influence of Mahler can be heard throughout the piece, but even without the occasional nod to the Viennese Romantic I place this symphony , especially this marvelous recording, right up at the top of my list right next to Mahler and even Shostakovich's 5th. You must buy this recording. Now.
