Shostakovich – Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5 CD

Bernard Haitink | London Philharmonic Orchestra | Concertgebouw Orchestra Label: Decca

UPC: 028947842149 

MPN: 4784214DB 

Brand Name: Decca Classics

Overview

This Decca Virtuoso release unites two landmark symphonies by Dmitri Shostakovich, performed under the masterful direction of Bernard Haitink, one of the composer’s most acclaimed interpreters. The recording features both the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Concertgebouw Orchestra, bringing together two world-class ensembles in performances of extraordinary depth and clarity.

The album includes Symphony No. 1 in F minor, composed by Shostakovich at just 19 years of age—a dazzling debut full of wit and invention—and the monumental Symphony No. 5 in D minor, a work of searing emotional power written under the pressures of Stalin’s regime. The result is an essential recording for any classical music collection, praised for its dynamic sound and interpretive brilliance.

Product Features

• Format: Audio CD
• Total Duration: 80:56
• Label: Decca Music Group Limited (A Universal Music Company)
• Series: Decca Virtuoso – “Seriously good recordings from Decca and Deutsche Grammophon”
• Country of Manufacture: Made in the EU
• Release Year: 2012 (Compilation)
• Genre: Classical
• Style: Orchestral, 20th-Century Symphonic Music
• Conductor: Bernard Haitink
• Orchestras: London Philharmonic Orchestra / Concertgebouw Orchestra

Interesting Facts

• Critical Acclaim: Gramophone hailed the Fifth Symphony performance as “an altogether outstanding record”, noting its “massive power, biting sarcasm, and burlesque waltz that evokes Tchaikovsky.”
• Definitive Interpretations: Bernard Haitink’s recordings of Shostakovich have long been considered benchmarks for their structural integrity, emotional restraint, and deep respect for the composer’s vision.
• Historical Context: Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 was written in 1937 in response to state criticism of his earlier works, representing both compliance and defiance—a masterpiece of coded expression.
• High-Fidelity Sound: Digitally remastered for the Decca Virtuoso series, this release combines clarity, spatial depth, and towering dynamic range, showcasing the orchestras at their finest.

Track Listing

1–4. Symphony No. 1 in F minor, Op. 10 – 31:18 Performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra

5–8. Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op. 47 – 49:38 Performed by the Concertgebouw Orchestra

Conductor: Bernard Haitink

Publishers

Label: Decca Music Group Limited, London, England Compilation: © 2012 Decca Music Group Limited Made in: EU Total Running Time: 80:56 Series: Decca Virtuoso – “An ideal way to build a collection and discover more.”

We value your feedback! Share your experience with this product to help others make informed decisions. Your review is important to us!

Hashtags

#Shostakovich #BernardHaitink #DeccaClassics #VirtuosoSeries #LondonPhilharmonic #ConcertgebouwOrchestra #ClassicalMusic #20thCenturyMusic #SovietComposers #SymphonyNo1 #SymphonyNo5 #OrchestralMusic #UniversalMusic #DeccaVirtuoso #HaitinkConductsShostakovich