Search - Dmitry Shostakovich, Neeme Järvi, Scottish National Orchestra :: Shostakovich: Symphony No. 7

Overall good recording

Owen H | RI USA | 08/10/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Penguin tagged a 3 star rating on this recording and it's not hard to see why. the sound quality is excellent and the orchestra's playing is top notch. This particular recording is a notch faster than all others I have heard. if you are used to Bernstein CSO, prepare to be shocked at the tempi. The opening is wonderful, full of joyous energy and it soars very well into the slow sections. The march halfway through the movement starts off very well and exciting. However, around the key change, Jarvi gets a bit too excited and goes faster then the established tempo and the orchestra becomes a bit out of synch leading to a mush of sound at the climax. the rest of the movement resolves very well, though. the second movement is wonderfully paced and I wouldn't hesitate to rank it as the best 2nd movement available. the 3rd movement is wonderfully played as well and the 4th movement starts off very well. however, the biggest problem with this recording is that the finale is too fast. there is a lot of magic orchestrated into the finale and it can't be felt if it is rushed. On the other hand, this is still a great recording."