Schostakowitsch: Symphonie Nr. 10

In the grand tradition of classical music that makes you want to stand on a rooftop and dramatically monologue to the heavens, comes Dmitri Shostakovich's 10th Symphony as conducted by BAVARIAN RADIO SO and JANSONS. From the very first note, you can practically feel the drama oozing out of your speakers like a Shakespearean actor on a bender. The tension builds and builds, layering on thick like a particularly intense episode of Eastenders. You can almost hear the violins whispering secrets, the horns blaring like a herd of enraged elephants. The dynamic range on this bad boy is wider than a hipster’s vinyl collection. The quiet moments are so hushed you can practically hear a pin drop, while the crescendos hit you like a slap in the face from a wet fish. Shostakovich knows how to play with your emotions like a cat plays with a mouse – cruelly and with a sneaky grin. But fear not, dear listener, for this symphony is not all doom and gloom. There are moments of lightness and whimsy that dance like a tipsy twentysomething at a wedding. It's like Shostakovich is saying, "Hey, life may be tough, but let's have a little fun along the way." So grab a glass of your finest (or cheapest) wine, put on your best smoking jacket, and prepare to be swept away by the sheer brilliance of this symphony. Shostakovich may be long gone, but his music lives on like a cat with nine lives.