Search - Dmitry Shostakovich, Andre Previn, Leopold Stokowski :: RCA Victor Basic 100, Volume 79 - Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5, The Age of Gold

It doesn't get any better than this.

Howard G. Brown | New York City, USA | 06/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Musically speaking, that is. If full digital sound is a must, look elsewhere. But for the music itself -- in excellent sound that needs no apology -- it would be hard to find a better Shostakovich No.5 than this. Different points of view, different perspectives, yes. But the sheer dramatic-lyrical sweep of this performance satisfies time and again. And the Stokowski/CSO recording of the popular suite from "The Age OF Gold" is smartly played and very well recorded indeed. Back in the lp days it was the filler on a recording of the Shostakovich 6th Symphony -- another gem that is bound to turn up outside the Big Box of Stokowski recordings RCA recently issued.The present issue is a bargain introduction to the music of Shostakovich, but those who know and love the music need this recording as well."

This is a great recording!

Gregory M. Zinkl | Chicago, IL | 06/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"No matter how you view it, this symphony is wonderful. Previn does the score full justice, as does the London Symphony.I grew up with this recording--literally--and while other recordings are just fine (Bernstein in Japan, Zander with the Boston Phil), I always find myself returning to this one. It is the most insightful, emotionally-gripping, and beautiful recorded performance that I know and own.It is an older recording, so if you're looking for digitally-pure sound, you're not going to get it here. It is decent, analog stereophonic sound that while imperfect, transmits Shostakovich's vision well.Enjoy!"