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Amazon.co.uk Review
Riccardo Chailly has proved himself adept in the highways and byways of Shostakovich's output. You really feel he enjoys this music, conducting it with relish and not a hint of condescension. Admittedly the Concerto for Piano, Trumpet and Strings has real pathos in its second movement to offset the brittle humour and high jinx elsewhere. Ronald Brautigam brings a Gershwin-like uninhibitedness to his performance, with Peter Masseurs incisive yet elegant in the trumpet part. The two jazz suites are peripheral Shostakovich, but great fun all the same. The Concertgebouw's resident jazzers would clearly give any professional combo a run for its money, especially in the lengthy Second Suite, assembled from film and theatre scores. Tahiti Trot is even more intriguing than it sounds: an orchestral transcription of the 1920s hit "Tea For Two", made in a matter of hours to win a bet. Its a far cry from Shostakovich as we tend to think of him, yet valuable for throwing light on the heady era out of which the mature composer forcibly emerged. --Richard Whitehouse
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The main point of interest here is the two Jazz Suites, recorded for the first time by Chailly and the Concertgebouw and remarkably well presented. The saxophones, which form a crucial part of the ensemble (particularly in the second suite) provide a luscious sonority, not too raw as is often the case, and the trombone solo in the first suite is extraordinary for its degree of excellent breath control and smooth sound. These two treasures are a must! The 1st Piano Concerto is tucked in between the two jazz numbers, but is nevertheless well dealt-with; this is certainly the more "pure" brand of Shostakovich, and far-removed from the music of the rest of the CD, but worth a listen all the same. Almost a bonus here is the Tahiti Trot, an orchestration of Youman's Tea for Two completed in an hour by Shostakovich as a bet. And what a wonderful end to a wonderful CD! The Concertgebouw's clarity is unmatched in any version I have heard.
14 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
No wonder that this has won a Gramophone Editor's Choice award!
It is an exceedingly witty interpretation that retains character without sacrificing clarity. It manages to use a classical tempo to acheive a jazz swing which is impressive. The music itself is very entertaining and perky, with some exquisite slow movements. This is a rare insight into Shostakovitch's more happy side.
It is VERY easy to listen to, unlike his symphonies, and although some may criticise this for its lack of depth, I would argue that these works are not renowned for any profound meaning.
Just enjoy them!
14 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
In all probability motivated by survival as much as art, the Jazz suites may be too easy to dismiss unless you are familiar with the composer's more "serious" works. However, on repeated listening, this oddly light selection of movements proves itself to be unadulterated Shostakovich. While seemingly far removed from the affecting turmoil of the symphonies, many of these pieces display the same keen wit, irony and even sarcasm one might find in, say, the second movement of the eighth, or the finale of the sixth. Dimitry is in playful mood and nobody can craft musical mischief like Dimitry in his stride. There is almost a sense of parody to some of these works, but the material is so strong that even when scoring to such a strict style, rather than composing freely, Shoshtakovich's personality, trademarks and fantastic ability shine through. Finally, these works prove, if proof were needed, that the man had a fine ear for a tune. If you were to count the number of killer hooks on this record you would soon run out of fingers and toes. Gorgeous, mind-melting melodies are paraded by thick and fast, some only meriting one or two repeats before the next jaw-dropping change of direction.
The musicianship on this particular interpretation, the sound quality also, manage to remain as lively, fresh and skilful as the music. It has the feeling of a live concert - you can almost see the expressions on their faces.
The first piano concerto provides the meat in the sandwich and is also brightly performed, cementing my personal view that nobody writes for trumpet and piano like Shostakovich.
Paradoxically this might be just too accessible for the beginner, but once you have tasted the other side of Shostakovich, it is heaven in a box.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Shostakovich Masterpiece
I've loved Shostakovich since the 1980s. Not only does the music have such force and flamboyance but you listen to it with the knowledge that he managed to fulfil his talent and... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Michael Field
Excellent Compilation of Shostakovich's work
You really do get your money's worth with this album- Jazz Suite No. 2, Piano Concerto No. 1, as well as Tahiti Trot. Read more
Published on 14 Nov 2009 by R. Horrigan
This is not jazz - thankfully!
The two jazz suites featured on this album are more Tchaikovsky meets Strauss than jazz. Indeed, Shosta subtitled his second as a suite for promenade orchestra and the writer of... Read more
Published on 25 July 2007 by Nicholas Casley
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