Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 - Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, Minneapolis Symphony

Highly accessible version of favorite

Performance: Having several versions of the Shostakovich 5th, this one hits the seeet spot in important ways. The swift starting tempo keeps your attention without feeling rushed. The dramatic development of the themes is clear and works well without the irritation of over dramatizing. Sound: The good sound quality enables the enjoyment of the performance. The sound is smooth as velvet, but not softened. The balance is not bright in the way that modern recordings with low high frequency distortion are not bright. The immediacy of the Mercury sound provides an intimate window to all parts of the music. Bottom line is I am glad I have this version. I am enjoying the 5th at new levels.