Search - Aram Khachaturian, Michail Jurowski, Deutsches Symphony Orchestra Berlin :: Khachaturian: Spartacus

It is about time.

Dave N | Arizona, USA | 12/18/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have been waiting for a decent complete recording of Spartacus for a very long time and this one fits the bill with a few small reservations. This ballet like Khachaturian's other one, Gayeneh, is filled with incredible melodies, wonderfully orchestrated, and is full of energy and power as well as gorgeous softer and somber moments. Spartacus has had several revisions and the version on this recording has apparently undergone a few cuts that do not do the music total justice. A few portions just don't quite flow as smoothly as they should and feel a bit chopped. These will probably be noticed mostly by those fairly familiar with earlier versions and don't ruin the recording. That aside, this is a very decent recording. The sound and performance are quite good. The liner notes unfortunately are pretty inadequate but this flaw can be overlooked. So fans of Khachaturian rejoice. This recording was well overdue. Buy it and enjoy.."

Not too sweet: this is the whole kaboodle

M KIRK-DUGGAN | El Cerrito Fellowship, CA USA | 11/11/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Don't know why, there's no cloud up in the sky, Stormy Weather. And that's just one of the leit motifs in this complete recording. Unfortunately some of the cuts are muddy, but the music just comes surging through. The suite is good, this is superb.If one is interested in Stalinist music, such as Song of the Forrests, et al., then this is a must addition to your rack. One need not know the plot or only remember it from the Kirk Douglas extravaganza and screenplay by Dalton Trumble, a Hollywood 10, but the excitement and energy of this 2 disk recording makes a long Bay Bridge commute something to look forward to, let alone listing to it at home on the Klipshs. Get it, enjoy it, and play it over again Sam."