Search - Dmitri Shostakovich, Neeme Järvi, Scottish National Orchestra :: Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op.47 / Ballet Suite No. 5 from "The Bolt" Op. 27A - Neeme Järvi / Scottish National Orchestra

Non, Non! Not a Starter!

V. Arni | New Delhi, India | 06/07/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The Jarvi 5th has been overrated by Gramophone as a starter introduction. I agree with other reviewers here that the tempos are erratic perhaps, as also pointed out, that the symphony has very obviously not been rehearsed. Its too loud in parts if one sets the volume to hear the softer very quiet segments of the score. Chandos Records are known for the quality of their recordings but this disk would also be a bad introduction to Chandos. I prefer Haitink/Concertgebouw. It leaves its imprint on you even years after having heard it."

Beautifully Paced Fifth---Exquisite Ballet

rodboomboom | Dearborn, Michigan United States | 11/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jarvi and the SCO perform an outstanding playing of one of the most popular symphonies. Their pace is smooth and the finale is superb, building to neither too dominant brass as in some, but tight and sounds perfectly balanced. The ballet has quite a history behind it, premiering in Leningrad in 1933. The Allegro is magnificent featuring the fine flute/bassoon duet as well as the senusal dances culminating in a rapturous waltz, sequenced thereafter by other dancers sung by soloist highlighted dancers, including one very nice sylophone. Very high spirited and charged piece and most enjoyable."

Good, but look elsewhere for a better Fifth Symphony.

Jeffrey Lee | Asheville area, NC USA | 10/29/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While the forces here offer a good performance I am not nearly as keen on my praises as I am regarding their versions of the composer's Fourth and Tenth Symphonies. Jarvi just does not get inside the Fifth's inner details as much as Haitink and the Concertgebouw or Mravinsky in his live 1966 recording for Russian Disc. Though Haitink falls a bit short on intensity in the largo and humor/sarcasm in the allegretto he and the Amsterdam Concertgebouw compensate with darker and richer tones throughout. They also serve up orchestral sounds that are frequently beautiful (credit also the Decca engineers). Based partially on these aspects, I find the Haitink/Amsterdam account more enjoyable. Moreover, there are places throughout the symphony, where, in contrast to Haitink and especially Mravinsky, Jarvi tends to soften the musical outline. This, in turn, has the effect of lessening a sense of impact. Of course, if it's real impact you want, Mravinsky is your man. The level of intensity during moments of his live performance should help to give your ears a good cleaning. I also feel his reading comes closest to reflecting the spirit and intent of the composer.



With respect to the Ballet Suite No. 5 from "The Bolt", I have little to carp about. As a ballet, it is certainly a far cry from Tchaikovsky, especially in terms of its emotional and instrumental personality. But, this is vivid, colorful and engrossing music, spiked with boldness, wit of all shades and, yes, charm. It is all unflagginly musical and refreshingly enjoyable, thanks in good part to the performing team."