Vasily Petrenko’s generally sensational Shostakovich cycle concludes with this powerful and gripping performance of the Thirteenth Symphony. The interpretation is full of distinctive touches: the notably sharp and swift take on the first movement’s “pogrom” music, and perhaps the most brilliant, pointed, and textually specific version of “humor” yet recorded.
In general, Petrenko makes the most of the opportunities for drama and doesn’t let the music drown in a quagmire of gloom–the darkness is, after all, built into the score. The desolation of “In the Store” and the atmospheric dread of “Fears” are palpable, but not exaggerated. He’s assisted by choral singing which, while equally focused and attentive to the text, has a lighter sonority than we get from the best Russian and Scandinavian choirs. Bass soloist Alexander Vinogradov is also excellent, singing with a big, rich tone that never turns wooly or wobbly.
Naxos’ sonics are also excellent, with particularly well-judged balances between the choir and the orchestra. Vinogradov’s voice is well caught too, but not so close so as to sound as if he’s shouting into your ear. I do wish the ominously tolling bell had been more prominent, especially in loud passages, but having heard this piece in concert numerous times I can attest that this is how it usually sounds. Naxos’ booklet contains the transliterated text and English translation, not something to be counted on these days. A great ending to a great cycle. When the boxed set gets issued, as I assume it will, this will be a reference edition.
