Shostakovich Symphony No. 11 - The Scotsman

Remarkably few recordings have come out of Alexander Lazarev's reign as chief conductor of the RSNO. A month before he steps down, however, Linn has come to the rescue with a recording of Shostakovich's 11th Symphony that should be in everyone's collection. It comes with a sound pedigree - Lazarev's explosive performances in recent seasons - so there's no risk attached. And what we get is a power-driven account of Shostakovich's angst-ridden portrayal of the 1905 revolutionary uprising in St Petersburg, which has all the immediacy and impact of a live performance.