SHOSTAKOVICH

 

The Gambler

The Nose

 

Soloists, Chorus & Orchestra of the Moscow Chamber Musical Theatre,

Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra / Gennady Rozhdestvensky

 

Recorded in Moscow in 1975, this 2 CD set combines 2 of Shostakovich’s lesser known operas. The short “The Gamblers” which was left unfinished in a piano score, is performed here in a version completed by the conductor Gennady Rozhdestvensky. “The Nose” was first performed in 1930 and once again the composer was lambasted for being pretentious and artificial. In recent years “The Nose” has enjoyed a reassessment in revivals in opera houses around the world.

 

“Here it’s the brilliantly idiomatic and conversational way that singers and orchestra negotiate the most complex ensembles that is so satisfying, and so powerful a confirmation of Shostakovich’s natural gift for the stage….The coupling is the world premiere….both performances are magnificant and all self-respecting Shostakovich enthusiasts should have them.” BBC Music Magazine, October 2007 - BBC Opera Choice of the Month

 

 “By prevailing Soviet standards these are well engineered sessions and the tireless, sometimes literally breathtaking performances are unlikely to be surpassed.” Gramophone Awards Issue, 2007

 

BBC Music Magazine Opera Choice of the Month, October 2007

 

Melodiya 2cds MELCD1001192