A Shostakovich 13 Worth Looking For!
Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 01/23/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In the deluge of recorded versions of Shostakovich's mighty choral Symphony No. 13 this recording, dating back to 1987, is certainly one of the finest and least well known. The conductor fully understands the architecture of the score, providing a powerful reading of the first movement ('Babi Yar'), a brilliant scherzo, and then allowing the final three contiguous movements to flow naturally to a stunningly quiet climax. Okko Kamu conducts the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Men of that Orchestra's choral ensemble massed with the City of Birmingham Choir. The choral parts are among the finest on record. And to crown the performance is bass Nikita Storojev who offers one of the most richly glowing interpretations available. Highly Recommended and worth seeking out among the available resources. Grady Harp, January 06"