"By emphasising the playful exuberance of Shostakovich’s writing, Gergiev discovers a middle path that brings these two symphonies closer than one would have through possible. The result is a tour-de-force of recreative bravado, into which the Mariinsky Orchestra throws itself with alacrity."
Classic FM Magazine - 5 August 2009
’Disc of the Week’
"Gergiev’s performance of the 15th sounds the valedictory culmination of his symphonic life’s work - deeply moving .. These works are meat and drink for Gergiev’s outstanding Mariinsky players"
The Sunday Times - 9 August 2009
"The orchestra under Gergiev is terrific. Doom laden brass, jaunty woodwind and clattering percussion all come together with total conviction"
The Daily Telegraph - 7 September 2009
Choc
Classica - 25 September 2009
"This superb pairing of Shostakovich’s first and last symphonies demonstrates both how astoundingly precocious the composer was and how face he came in 45 years"
Absolute Sound - 17 October 2009
"Gergiev’s pairing of Shostakovich’s first and last symphonies makes great sense considering the many thematic cross-references they share. The performances show the conductor at his feverish, insightful best"
Philadelphia Enquirer - 17 October 2010
“ to hear Shostakovich’s first and final thoughts in the symphonic genre so closely juxtaposed is fascinating … Gergiev is magnificent”
MusicalCriticism.com
“impressively recorded in the sumptuous acoustics of the new Mariinsky Concert Hall”
Performance ***** Sound *****
BBC Music Magazine
