Stormy clouds blend with a somber face on the album cover, reflecting Shostakovich’s Symphony No 8. Text: SHOSTAKOVICH: SYMPHONY NO 8 [Download], LSO Live, with LSO and LSO Live logos.

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 8

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Although it was written at a time of great optimism in the Soviet Union with the Nazis in retreat, Shostakovich's Eighth Symphony is imbued with a deep sense of sorrow and fear of the future. Whereas the authorities expected a victorius anthem, Shostakovich appeared too affected by the bloody cost of the war. Mstislav Rostropovich again proved that no other conductor is able to so intimately understand the feelings of his dear friend.

Composer Dmitri Shostakovich
Conductor Mstislav Rostropovich
Performers London Symphony Orchestra

Symphony No. 8 in C Minor
1. I. Adagio - Allegro non troppo
2. II. Allegretto
3. III. Allegro non troppo
4. IV. Largo
5. V. Allegretto

Release Date 6 June 2005
LSO0527 | 822231102724

Producer James Mallinson
Engineer Neil Hutchinson for Classic Sound Ltd
Recorded November 2004, Barbican, London

DSD (Direct Stream Digital) recording

Booklet in English, French & German

FLAC - 24bit 96kHz - Compatible with Windows and Android devices
MP3 - 320kbps - Universal compatibility
SACD - Compatible with all CD players
CD - Compatible with all CD players

Available on streaming services

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Reviews

“

'All the searing intensity, perceptiveness and magnificent playing that made this such a memorable performance survives on this recording. No one has a more intimate knowledge of Shostakovich's musical psyche that his long-time friend Rostropovich and that insight exudes from every pore of his interpretation ... this must surely be the benchmark for this shattering work.'

- The Daily Telegraph, Classical CDs of the Year
“

'[Rostropovich] must have been amazed and moved by the playing of the LSO. You can only sit and wonder whether, in terms of pity and terror, musical expression could possibly go further.'

- BBC Music Magazine, Disc of the Month
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'Anyone present at Barbican Hall last November knows what a moving performance of this symphony Rostropovich and the LSO delivered.'

- The Sunday Times, CD of the Week