Sym.8: Mravinsky / Leningrad.po +mozart: Sym.33 (1960 London)

Conductor Evgeny Mravinsky, like many Soviet artists, was a victim of the Cold War. His recording (with the Leningrad Philharmonic) of the last three Tchaikovsky symphonies stirred the interest of Western audiences and Mravinsky became something of a cult figure. In September of 1960, Mravinsky and the orchestra appeared at the Edinburgh Festival to great acclaim. Later that same month, Mravinsky and the orchestra visited London and performed symphonies by Prokofiev and Shostakovich. Mravinsky premiered the Shostakovich Symphony no. 8 in Leningrad in 1943. The performance preserved on this recording marks the works U.K. premiere.
Shostakovich's Eighth Symphony was the follow-up to his universally acclaimed 'Leningrad Symphony.' A dark work, the Eighth Symphony portrays the pain and suffering of the war years. Filled with an almost palpable sense of despair, the work's pessimism angered the Soviet leaders and put Shostakovich in jeopardy. Mravinsky and his orchestra deliver an emotionally riveting account of the work. This is a searing performance that's eloquently dramatic and ultimately heartbreaking.
On a much lighter note, the bonus CD in the package is a jaunty performance of the Mozart Symphony no. 33. Mravinsky leads with grace and a light touch.