Incredible sound, astounding playing!
Adam Bigham | Michigan, USA | 09/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The sound of this CD is incredible -- I do not know how else to describe it. Something like a live performance that I did not believe my stereo could duplicate, and I have many nice classical CDs. For performance, it is first-rate. I really thought I did not need more recordings of the Chamber Symphony or First Concerto, but I am so glad I got this disc. The Octet piece is very characteristic of Shostakovich: some ideas from this work made it into later music he composed. This recording of the Chamber Symphony does it justice; for sure, the increased dynamic range of the increased number of strings (compared to the original scoring in String Quartet no. 8,) really comes through on this recording. My greatest delight in listening to this disc came during the Concerto. The soloists are astounding players and seem to grasp the pulse of Shostakovich's score, as does the orchestra. Top-notch classical CD!"