SHOSTAKOVICH

Symphony No. 10 in E minor, Op.93

 

I. Moderato

II. Allegro

III. Allegretto

IV. Andante – Allegro

 

London Philharmonic Orchestra / Bernard Haitink

 

Recorded live at the Royal Albert Hall, London, on 28 August 1986

 

Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony was first performed shortly after Stalin’s death in 1953. This was the first of his works to be completed without the restraints of strict communist artistic control hanging over him. A dark and tragic tone is projected throughout the symphony and the distinct contrasts create a dramatic and intense work.

 

Recorded live at the Royal Albert Hall during the 1986 BBC Proms under conductor Bernard Haitink, the London Philharmonic Orchestra gives a compelling account of this monumental symphony. He instinctively knows with this symphony when to increase tension and when to relax - and whilst relaxing he never loses your attention, there is always direction and an onward undercurrent. The tiny rays of sunshine in the otherwise ominous slow opening are perfectly judged examples of this.

 

At the time of this recording Haitink had already been conducting at the highest level for nearly thirty years. Today he continues to receives critical acclaim.

 

‘Haitink's grasp of the work's (Shostakovich Symphony No. 5) complex architecture brought the very best out .’

The Guardian, January 2006

 

London Philharmonic Orchestra LPO0034