London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent - Shostakovich: Symphony No. 9 / Prokofiev: Lieutenant Kijé Suite (2013) Hi-Res

Two generally lighthearted, upbeat compositions by Russian composers who were not generally known for being optimistic unite on this Everest album. The first work is Shostakovich's Symphony No. 9. Despite all of the superstition and gravity often associated with the writing of a Ninth Symphony, Shostakovich did a complete about-face after his earnest, tragic Seventh and Eighth symphonies. The Ninth changes gears with its cheery, classically inspired sensibilities. The other work on the program is Prokofiev's Suite from Lieutenant Kijé, derived from one of his film scores that has long outlived the popularity of the original films themselves. (It should be noted that in several spots in the liner notes and on the album's packaging, the mistaken impression is given that Kijé was composed by Shostakovich.) For both works, Malcolm Sargent leads the London Symphony Orchestra in generally masterful performances (although the double bass solo in the "Kijé Romance" is uncomfortably tentative and out of tune). Sargent's performances are enhanced by Everest's unique sound approach. Rather than being recorded on standard ½" stereo tape, Everest's original recordings were made on 35mm tape in three channels. The resulting sound quality is exceptionally clear and detailed, with no detectable hiss or distortion despite any lack of remastering. Especially noticeable is the superior stereo imaging present when listening to the CD or the two-channel audio track of the DVD. For the utmost in detail and sound refinement, listeners with a DVD-audio player will enjoy the precision of 24-bit/192kHz three-channel sound on a second side of the DVD.