Shostakovich: Symphony no. 1

Of course I recommend all his other symphonies, but apart from no. 5, I especially like no. 1. To think that he wrote this when he was 18 is breath-taking. You can't say that John Williams didn't listen to the second movement for inspiration for his Imperial March, or whatever it's called. The power of trumpets, too, in the second movement.

Also, the sparse orchestration. It's very chamber-esque, and only employs the full orchestra a couple times throughout the entire piece.

If you're looking for a good recording, you should get none other than Rostropovich conducting, and that goes for the rest of Shostakovich's works in general.

Link to Wikipedia article for the more-curious: Symphony No. 1 (Shostakovich) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I'm rather fond of the 10th and 14th symphonies.

sadly, the 5th is too often badly played by conductors who misunderstand the intent of the ending (one hint: it's not MEANT to be "triumphant").

Dude, thank you for recommending this.

I absolutely love this symphony. Its so out there! I was shaking as I heard this one. I wrote an extensive blog entry on the veritable physical experience the music had on me immediately after listening to it for the first time :o I hope others share that feeling!

Regards

Pravin

anyone considering the Schostakowitch symphonies as a purchase, there is a WONDERFUL recording with Kirill Kondrachine, with Moscow Philharmonique. It's a "reference" recording.

October!!! -gotta love that one. especially when the horns come in. i honestly think williams was very inspired by this fella.

Such a skilled composer - aged 19 when creating this work...! Genius has no limits...

Personally, I found the symphony too chromatic, the 2nd movement was good, but other than that I didn't really like it.

Came back and listened to it, I like it a lot more now that I'm more awake.

I do not know why this topic has been revived (2007!!) but since it is: I'll join the chorus of appraisers. I like it too, the 2nd movement frenzy and all the other stuff. Nicely Russian, jummy