Brilliant
Trevor Gillespie | 08/16/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Tenth is certainly well represented in the catalogue. However, this particular performance was my introduction to Shostakovich's universe when it first appeared in 1981, and in the intervening years I have heard none better, in terms of performance and one of the splendid early DG digital recordings. Karajan only recorded this of Shostakovich's works and for that alone we must be truly appreciative. Pity he didn't do more....."
DSCH's Greatest Symphony
Michael | Washington, D.C. area | 09/16/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am a newcomer to the world of Shostakovich, and this recording has definitely whetted my appetite for this great 20th-century composer. Under von Karajan's direction, the long, epic first movement unfolds a landscape of indescribable desolation and barrenness, with many passages that are positively chilling (eg. the clarinet melody). The scherzo and the waltz are appropriately demonic, and the final movement is as cathartic as one could desire - and with incredible virtuosity from the Berliners. Von Karajan show us why many experts consider the Tenth to be Shostakovich's greatest symhonic achievement."
I prefer his first recording.
Howard G Brown | Port St. Lucie, FL USA | 01/07/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was able to compare this and the Galleria CD re-issue of the 1966 recording. I prefer the earlier recording, in terms of sound and performance. There is something synthetic and overly calculated about this issue, and to my ears the earlier recording simply sounds better. I kept the Galleria edition, and traded the DDD version.I still think the best recordings remain the early mono sets by Mitropoulos, Kurz, Ancerl, and Mravinsky. The Ancerl may be the best of all, and it has been re-issued by DG, coupled with the Stravinsky Violin Concerto. Good luck finding it, and if you do -- buy it! The Kurz recording has been available on Testament, and it features Dennis Brain in the 3rd movt. horn solos -- not the only reason to grab this excellent re-issue."