Here we have three of Dmitri Shostakovich’s lighter, less troubled works idiomatically performed by the St. Petersburg Philharmonic–an orchestra that many observers consider to be Russia’s finest. The program opens with a rousing Festive Overture, enhanced by conductor Yuri Temirkanov’s very fast tempo. From there, in Shostokovich’s precocious but quirky First Symphony, things begin to deteriorate sonically. Although RCA’s low level recording underlines the work’s moody, disjointed character, it causes the work’s many soft passages to nearly vanish. It also makes the famous Large Hall of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic sound drier than usual. Matters do improve again in the Sixth Symphony, in which Temirkanov’s powerfully projected performance makes a more positive impact. If you’ve already set your volume control to compensate for the previously low level, then the symphony’s opening string statement certainly will make a sweeping impression! Although you may find slightly better performances of both symphonies, these are solid, serviceable readings that shouldn’t deter anyone looking for a good, reliable addition to their library. Just turn up the volume!
