markof wrote:fergus wrote:
The only other recommendation that I can make Mark is the Kondrashin cycle which I think is excellent....
Thanks for the recommendation. l see that set is available for streaming and received a gold star - always a good sign.
Do you have any favourites among the symphonic works?
Mark
I think that the gold star is very well deserved here! I tend to like all of the Shostakovich symphonies but the stand out ones for me would probably be nos. 5 and 11 and I find nos. 2,3,8 & 13 are also appealing due to their choral content.
I should point out that sonically, these are far from perfect cds. They are appearently remastered from somewhat damaged master tapes so you are not getting the pristine quality of a modern digital set but for me that only adds to the charm and appeal. I know that you will be streaming but, interestingly, the presentation cardboard box for this set is also very flimsy but also very Soviet!