Shostakovich: Symphony No. 8 - CD

ENGLISH

<p>A third of a century after his death the symphonies of Dmitry Shostakovich have moved to the absolute centre of the repertoire. Written during World War II, the unusually constructed <i>Eighth Symphony </i>is a powerful work built on striking contrasts between music which is at times unremittingly bleak and at others brutally intense. The predominantly slow opening movement, punctuated by a terrifying central crescendo, is followed by a scherzo of savage parody. At the heart of the Symphony a second fast movement builds remorselessly to a shattering climax over pounding timpani. The rapt, largely introspective fourth movement, <i>Largo</i>, leads straight into the last movement, <i>Allegretto</i>, which seems to reach out for hope in an uncertain world. Vasily Petrenko's acclaimed interpretations of Shostakovich's <i>Symphonies</i> <i>No. 11 </i> and <i>Nos. 5 </i>and <i>9 </i> are also available.</p>