Description
Released on physical CD, digital download, streaming: 15 July 2022
This recording is also be available to download/stream in 7.1.4 spatial audio with Dolby Atmos
Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906–1975)
Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 54
1. I. Largo
2. II. Allegro
3. III. Presto
Symphony No. 9 in E flat major, Op. 70
4. I. Allegro
5. II. Moderato
6. III. Presto —
7. IV. Largo —
8. V. Allegretto — Allegro
BBC National Orchestra of Wales / Steven Lloyd-Gonzalez
Recorded by K&A Productions:
Engineered by Debs Spanton
Produced by Andrew Walton
Press Quotes
“The sonorous directness at the start of the Sixth is up there with the best… Lloyd-Gonzalez doesn’t miss a trick or dynamic in Shostakovich’s encylopedia of moods and contrasts…. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales has never been on finer form, assisted by the stunning production from Andrew Walton and Debs Spanton…” (PERFORMANCE: ٭٭٭٭٭ / RECORDING: ٭٭٭٭٭ BBC Music Magazine)
“A success story… Steven Lloyd-Gonzales and the Formation of Wales offer us an inspired and racy reading.Lloyd-Gonzalez holds the beat firmly without crushing the sound in the largo, a tribute to Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov. The finale is also skilfully produced, conceived as the diversion of a certain Russian academicism, thanks to a whirlwind of facetious musical ideas” (Resmusica)
(٭٭٭٭ Classica)
“…this is a cracking CD… He [Lloyd-Gonzalez] starts off as he means to go with a terrifying and gripping account of the opening pages. … I haven’t yet mentioned the high quality of the sound, a cooperation between Radio 3 and First Hand Records, which is an immense success… He has a real gift for Shostakovich” (MusicWeb International)
“Avoid Bernstein’s ponderous late DG performances with an under-rehearsed Vienna Philharmonic and get this one instead… he [Lloyd-Gonzalez] understands the Shostakovich idiom well and secures pin-sharp, colourful playing from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales… This performance boasts excellent wind and brass playing… bassoonist Joshua Wilson’s big soliloquy is heart-breaking. An unexpected treat, beautifully recorded” (The Arts Desk)
“Strong performances of Shostakovich Symphonies Nos. 6 & 9 from BBC NOW & Steven Lloyd-Gonzalez – a searing Largo with brooding strings in No. 6, expertly steered by Lloyd-Gonzalez, and driving momentum in No. 9.” (Classical Notes)
“Conductor Steven Lloyd-Gonzalez well defines the all-pervasive, mysterious undercurrent of the first movement. Besides the well-attained, powerful, bone-chilling and goosebump inducing climax around the 6:00 mark during which each and every member of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales more than earn their pay cheque,…If you’re a Shostakovich veteran like I am, don’t hesitate including this new recording in your collection. If you’re new to Shostakovich, jump right in. It’s as good a place to start as any.” (Classical Music Sentinel)
“They capture the pathos, the sardonic edge and the pain that undercuts the pantomime” (Andrew McGregor, BBC Radio 3, ‘Record Review’)
“That’s a terrific recording” (Ian Skelly, BBC Radio 3)
“So more than decent, well-engineered performances, which more than hold their own in fierce competition” (Gramophone)
“the communication between orchestra and conductor to the test immediately as it begins with a dynamically and emotionally challenging Largo, and the results here are compelling… Conductor Steven Lloyd-Gonzalez establishes a solid pace… A highly energetic, fast-paced, controlled Allegro second and Presto third shine a light on the skill of the BBC NOW… Lloyd-Gonzalez and the BBC NOW catch the fun aspects of the Ninth, offering quality readings of both works.” (All Music)
“… this new reading is to be remembered.” (ꭅꭅꭅꭅ, Diapason Magazine)
“… Both performances here feel so immediate and alive that I can’t imagine any lover of Shostakovich’s music being disappointed. In a discography full to bursting, there’s still room for this surprising and enticing release.” (Fanfare)
“The 19-minute I is patient and probing, as it should be. The many wind solos are clear and expressive. The long, long trill near the end—the Golden Section as it were—is executed with hushed sensitivity, the magical addition of celeste enveloped in the soft violin oscillations. II and III are a romp, dashed off without subtlety, the brass and timpani imperious and garish in the closing salvo.” (American Record Guide)
