Gergiev's 'Leningrad'

[Petrushka]

I wasn't altogether impressed with earlier issues in Gergiev's on-going Shostakovich cycle on the Mariinsky label (mostly on grounds of sound quality) but am wondering if things have picked up for the recent 'Leningrad'? Gergiev is more or less self-recommending in this repertoire and I'm sorely tempted.

Any views on this CD or, indeed, the other recent coupling of 3 & 10?

[Alison]

Sounded a murky recording on CD review and Im happy to wait for Petrenko/Naxos.

You mean you missed the recent Ed Seckerson slot, pet ?

[Petrushka]

Sounded a murky recording on CD review and Im happy to wait for Petrenko/Naxos.

You mean you missed the recent Ed Seckerson slot, pet ?

'Murky recording'? The Mariinsky Concert Hall is supposed to be pretty good acoustically speaking, so it's disappointing if more recent efforts are not an improvement on the earlier. Thanks for the advice, Alison. I'm not exactly short of 'Leningrads' so will stay my hand for the moment unless anyone can convince otherwise.

[Il Grande Inquisitor]

Sounded a murky recording on CD review

I've often found Mariinsky recordings disappointing, especially given they're engineered by the same team that gets such good results for the LSO given the Barbican's acoustic limitations. However, I've revised this opinion somewhat; what it needs is playback at a very high volume and then the sound opens out pretty impressively.

Gergiev's interpretation of the Seventh is intense, although the last three movements are on the slower side, the Moderato second movement especially so. Pretty thrilling playing in places.

[Ferretfancy]

For my money, the best Leningrad is the Barshai, he tames the bombast without weakening the music's power, and the recording is pretty good.

[BBMmk2]

I have Gergiev's Sheherazade by the Mariinsky forces and not a bad cd at al!

[EdgeleyRob]

I have the Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Bernstein (DG).
Very powerful performance IMO,I think I will have a listen now.

[Nick Armstrong]

I have the Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Bernstein (DG).
Very powerful performance IMO,I think I will have a listen now.

That's the one I have, ER (apart from the Barshai one in the Superdrug boxset). It's a goodie

For my money, the best Leningrad is the Barshai, he tames the bombast without weakening the music's power, and the recording is pretty good.

Is that the one in the WDR box I just mentioned?

[Barbirollians]

I was very taken with the SNO/Jarvi Shostakovich on Chandos and he seemed to achieve nowhere near as good results in Gothenberg afterwards .

[Petrushka]

I have Gergiev's Sheherazade by the Mariinsky forces and not a bad cd at al!

Sorry, BBM, but that must be a candidate for worst sounding CD of all time. Such a pity after Gergiev's live 1997 Prom which was outstanding.

[Petrushka]

I have the Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Bernstein (DG).
Very powerful performance IMO,I think I will have a listen now.

Yes, that Bernstein 'Leningrad' is an absolute cracker. Haven't played it for several years though.

[BBMmk2]

Sorry, BBM, but that must be a candidate for worst sounding CD of all time. Such a pity after Gergiev's live 1997 Prom which was outstanding.