Andrew Litton, conductor
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Composed in 1943 during the very darkest period of the war, this symphony is Shostakovich’s ultimate expression in music of the horrors of war and of his hope for eventual recovery and peace. Andrew Litton, who considers this symphony a personal favorite, calls it “one of the most dramatic and frightening works ever composed … truly one of the great symphonies of the 20th century.” The Shostakovich 8th also happens to be a wonderful vehicle for a virtuoso orchestra. The demands on every musician from strings and woodwinds to brass and percussion are immense and are met head-on by the Dallas orchestra. Maestro Litton rides above the fray in full control and reveals another dimension of his affinity for Russian music. Sound buffs who will revel in an all-out symphonic display piece recorded in state-of-the-art sound will be fully rewarded by this disc, recorded in Delos’ unique VR2 sonics. The Delos engineering team has succeeded brilliantly in capturing every nuance of the performance.
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 65
Adagio-Allegro non troppo
Allegretto
Allegro non troppo
Largo
Allegretto
