An introduction to Shostakovich (Incls 'Piano Concerto No 2' & 'Symphony No 5')

'Most probably the finest Shostakovich disc ever issued and without doubt my choice' Fanfare

'Neeme Järvi's understanding of the bleak world inhabited by Shostakovich's symphonies continues to impress. Chandos's sound is superb as always.' American Record Guide

"In the concerto the immediacy of CD is also exciting, and the touch of hardness that the piano takes on once or twice did not strike me as inappropriate, nor even the slight trace of harshness in the deliberately vociferous tutti in the first movement. It is the sort of music-making one enjoys being in the midst of, even if one does have to duck occasionally."
- Michael Oliver
(Gramophone)

Shostakovich is one of the greatest 20th Century composers, and notable as one of the great symphonists of all time. His music communicates boldly and directly and can be in turn thrillingly exciting or powerfully moving. The Fifth Symphony is the most popular of his symphonies, being full of all the composer's most striking features and memorable tunes, while the Festive Overture exhilaratingly enjoyable.

This CD combines Shostakovich's most popular symphony with other orchestral hits, including the thrilling Festive Overture and the witty arrangement of Vincent Youmans's Tea for Two.

?The conductor and the soloist in Piano Concerto No. 2 are the composer's son and grandson, giving the performance great authority and representing a unique perspective on the music.

Neeme Järvi's Shostakovich CDs with the Scottish National Orchestra are some of the most famous recordings of the digital era.