The ominous depth of the lower strings at the Symphony’s beginning promises much, and for the most part is fulfilled; indeed the opening Moderato – treated as Adagio by Tugan Sokhiev – is wholly gripping: darkly announced with subtle dynamics and achingly expressed as well as with contrasted characterisation, charted inexorably to a searing climax, unerringly judged, and with some magnificent playing across a gamut of detailed conductor-requirements (Ukraine-related, what a shame Sokhiev has recently stepped down from Toulouse, if only then to be contacted by the musicians requesting that he should rescind his resignation … we shall see).
This live-recorded Shostakovich Ten (September 8-10 last year, Halle aux grains) enjoys excellent sound – whether penetrating trebles (piccolo, high horns and trumpets) or unrestricted strength (heavy brass, and more than the regular eight basses, I reckon), strings blossoming, impactful percussion, airy woodwind solos – they all come together in a propulsive, incisive and vehement Scherzo, maybe a portrait of Stalin: irascible – and a non-lingered third movement, Sokhiev keeping it on the move, persuasively, with messaging woodwind and horn solos, and with a chilling introduction of the loneliness that then emerges, a deserted landscape, with fibrous pizzicatos and warning gong-strokes; Sokhiev’s flexibility leads to a quicker-than-usual flare-up. With the Finale, the Andante introduction broods (eloquent oboe and, recognisably French in timbre, bassoon solos), then the Allegro sprints, set off by a perky clarinet if only to hit a wall, subside and build again to an exhilarating conclusion … but – here’s the caveat I indicated – the closing timpani salvo is all but lost, the instruments suddenly recessed and muddy. So disappointing, especially at the very end of an absorbing, long listen (fifty-five minutes) and in the context of a very impressive performance. Recommended nonetheless. Warner Classics 0190296377716 is released on May 20.
https://www.warnerclassics.com/release/sokhiev-shostakovich-10