Film Music Vol.4 -The Hooligan, etc : Mnatsakanov / Minsk Symphony Orchestra

SHOSTAKOVICH FILM SERIES, Vol. 4

Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975)
The Lady and the Hooligan (1962) (Ballet in one act)
Ballet Suite No. 2 (1951)

Minsk Symphony Orchestra / Walter Mnatsakanov, conductor

Volume 4 in this captivating Shostakovich film-related series, a re-release of performances originally on Russian Disc, is choreographic in nature. The Lady and the Hooligan is a “choreographic novel” in seven episodes, with the libretto based on a screenplay by Vladimir Mayakovsky. The 41-minute score is an ingenious tapestry of descriptive music drawn from a number of Shostakovich works. Arranged by Levon Atovmyan the score vividly conveys the characters and their dramatic story.

The more familiar Ballet Suite No. 2, which rounds out the program, is lively and lyrical, playful and ironic, in typical Shostakovich style. ( Delos )