Catalogue

Summary:

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra continues its highly successful collaboration with Avie with a searing live recording of the composer’s Thirteenth Symphony, “Babi Yar”. Gerard Schwarz conducts a performance of probing intensity, painting a vivid aural picture of Soviet life under Stalin and underlining Shostakovich’s trademark black humour and underlying pathos. Israeli bass Gidon Saks, who has excelled in Russian roles including Boris Godunov at Opera Ireland and English National Opera, conveys the overtly political poetry of Yevgeny Yevtushenko, adding immeasurably to the emotional impact of the music.

Tracklist:

DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH (1906–1975)

Symphony No. 13 in B flat minor, Op. 113, “Babi Yar”
1. I. Babi Yar: Adagio – Allegretto – Adagio (16:34)
2. II. Humour: Allegretto (7:20)
3. III. In the Store: Adagio (13:31)
4. IV. Fears: Largo (12:47)
5. V. A Career: Allegretto (12:37)

Total duration: 62:51

Gidon Saks, bass
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Gerard Schwarz, conductor

Recorded 17, 20 and 22 March 2003, live at Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

Recording Producers: Michael Ogonovsky and David A. Pigott
Sound Engineer: David A. Pigott