Mstislav Rostropovich, London Symphony Orchestra - Shostakovich: Symphony No. 8 (2005) [SACD]

Musical content 100% Recording fidelity 100% ‘Recordings like this don’t come along very often. Buy it. When you throw in the fact that LSO Live has captured this in recorded sound that supersedes even their finest previous efforts, you are left with a disc which is among the finest of this – or any – year … no devotee of great orchestral music will want to miss this valedictory performance … a release that combines a great performance of 1 of the 20th century’s most important pieces of music with a state-of-the-art recording. Bravo to everyone involved on this project: Rarely has the music lover been served so well by a commercial recording.’
~ High Fidelity Review
‘Rostropovich really nails the meaning of the 8th so completely that this new release is easily recommendable as a 1st introduction to the music … Rostropovich brings an intensity to the music … The LSO plays magnificently, the brasses astounding in their power & accuracy. Woodwind solos are gorgeously realized.’
~ Fanfare
‘All the searing intensity, perceptiveness & magnificent playing that made this such a memorable performance survives on this recording. No one has a more intimate knowledge of Shostakovich’s musical psyche that his long-time friend Rostropovich & that insight exudes from every pore of his interpretation … this must surely be the benchmark for this shattering work.’