Rostropovich Performs Shostakovich - Symphony No. 14 Op. 135 / Seven Romances on Poems of Alexander Blok, Op. 127

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Music reviews of Rostropovich Performs Shostakovich - Symphony No. 14 Op. 135 / Seven Romances on Poems of Alexander Blok, Op. 127

Music Review: I've wanted this record for a long time...
Rating: 4 Stars

Seven Romances on Poems of Alexander Blok, Op. 127. Galina Vishnevskaya, soprano. David Oistrakh, violin. Mstislav Rostropovich, cello. Moisei Vainberg, piano. Premiere performance recording, 27 October 1967.

The first of Rostropovich's two recordings of Shostakovich's 14th Symphony, employing the same cast as the world-premiere performance (under Rudolf Barshai - Russian Disc) is a record your reviewer has long coveted. Once again available, on the Russian Revelation label (which may have already expired?), this issue holds obvious appeal for devotees of Shostakovich and the well-loved cellist/conductor.

The recordings, as might be expected from Russia in 1973 and 1967, are in somewhat faded sonics. But the performances are devoted and passionate, perhaps even a 'Revelation.'

Be warned the booklet does not include the texts to either the symphony or the songs. Enterprising Shostakovians will have texts from alternative recordings (of more recent provenance,obviously).

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