The Best Recordings of Shostakovich Symphonies Nos 1, 4, 8, 13, 14 & 15

Gil Zilkha, singer/collector/music enthusiast
In this installment of Essential Classical Music, I cover the best recordings of Shostakovich's Symphonies Nos. 1, 4, 8, 13 "Babi Yar," 14 & 15. This video is taken from my larger video covering more of the major symphonies and their best recordings. Featured conductors include Mravinsky, Kondrashin, and Stokowski, among others.

[@sjambler]

Thanks Gil. The "Muddle Instead of Music" you refer to was a Pravda article about his opera "Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk," after Stalin attended a performance and left after the first act. This caused Shostakovich to withdraw the 4th from its scheduled performance in Leningrad in December 1936. He no doubt had visions of being shipped off to Siberia in the middle of the night (or worse). It was premiered well after Stalin's death, in 1961.

[@Tortuosit]

Yes I agree, you mention well known reference recordings.
As for the 1., 5. and 8th and 15., only Kurt Sanderling Berliner for me. Recorded in the German Democratic Republic in the 80s I think, with great sonics. 4th and 10th: Järvi on Chandos. 11th: Haitink Concertgebouw

[@user-wp4ju4hp5w]

Shostakovich 1rst Symphony has that iconic timpani solo at the end. C to D to Eflat roll

[@Tortuosit]

IMO the first is the main inspiration for the Darth Vader theme.

[@davidthom7127]

5 and 10 is all you need

[@Tortuosit]

A life without the 8th is wasted.