Syms 4 5 & 6

Valery Gergiev continues his acclaimed Shostakovich symphony cycle with his sixth release, a two SACD set featuring Symphonies Nos.4, 5 & 6. Shostakovich's symphonies are often emotionally powerful and the three symphonies performed here are a particularly compelling and riveting combination. Without doubt, the tortuous difficulty of adhering to vaguely articulated political dictates shaped the evolution of Shostakovich's music. Yet it is his sophisticated employment of musical codes that enabled him to maintain his creative integrity. These works are a superb illustration of his ability to toe the line deftly between political acclamation and condemnation.