Scottish Ensemble - Tchaikovsky & Shostakovich - Classical CD Choice

In the early days of the super audio CD medium, aficionados were hungry for favourite works to be given the deluxe treatment in the best possible sound, but the measure of how far we can come (despite the supposedly parlous nature of the medium) is the fact that we can now choose between different interpretations of the same works in splendid SACD sound. Here is a sterling example: while both of these pieces have enjoyed recommendable interpretations before, this particular coupling - performed with suitable panache - allows the listener to compare two great Russian masters from different eras. Under the directorship of Jonathan Morton, Scottish Ensemble adds the Tchaikovsky Serenade, regarded by the composer as one of his finest works, to its impressive Linn discography. The piece is imbued with the classical spirit of Mozart, but with Tchaikovsky's style to the fore. This recording also marks the premiere of Jonathan Morton's 2013 transcription of Shostakovich's Quartet No. 2.