Search - Shostakovich, Jordania, Kbs Symphony Orchestra :: Gadfly Suite / King Lear Suite

Great, under-rated conductor on under-appreciated music

Michael Morrison | Tennessee, U.S.A. | 02/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Vakhtang Jordania, from Tibilisi, Georgia, is one of the world's best unknown conductors. He won prizes while still locked behind the Iron Curtain. When he escaped, he conducted the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra, but returned to his homeland when communism fell. Perhaps his own situation gives him greater understanding of the feelings of Shostakovich, because he has created at least a near-masterpiece with this recording. Jordania is a man who loves music, and loves conducting, and he obviously transmits his love to his musicians. This music is not so well known as some of Shostakovich's longer and, let's be honest, darker works, but it is good listening. And with Jordania conducting, it's great listening. By the way, some might think I praise him because he is a fellow Georgian -- but his Georgia is much more exotic than mine, and those Georgia accents are a lot harder on the ear than these. But the music from that Georgian caresses and soothes the ear."