Credits:

Bernard Haitink

Description:

Shostakovichs Symphonies, Which Convey an Atmosphere of DespairShostakovich, who produced many masterpieces while agonizing between the institutional society of the former Soviet Union and his own artistic convictions, may have been, in a sense, the most quintessentially 20th-century composer. This recording of Shostakovich by Haitink garnered attention as the first complete set released in the West. Rejecting political overtones and theatricality, this recording faithfully recreates the music alone with meticulous care and a rare sense of balance. This is a standalone release of Symphony No. 8, which received high praise for its overwhelming sound.Universal Music/IMS