I have a very limited collection of music by Dimitri Shostakovich but from what I have heard he has failed to disappoint. Once this album crossed my desk I knew I was in for something special. I’m a big fan of Chandos’ film music collection and this is the second of a three-volume set dedicated to the great Russian composer.
The album opens with a suite from THE GOLDEN MOUNTAINS but that didn’t really register with me. However, once the next suite began I had to give it my undivided attention. A melodramatic, aggressive, passionate, heart wrenching, and deeply emotional score GADFLY features delicious themes and stunning string writing. This was also my very first taste of the famous “Romance” cue. That track was instantly put in “My Favorites” iTunes playlist – brilliant string writing with rolling percussion.
A few tracks later we get the showstopper “Scene. Moderato.” This is the way I like my film music. Full-bodied and larger than life! What a huge sound Sinaisky got out of the BBC Philharmonic!
And “The Finale” All I can say is WOW! Blew me away! A strong march with a reprise of the theme from the Overture! From start to finish this 45-minute suite is worth the price of this album! And the sound quality is an audiophile’s wet dream. Stephen Rinker’s recording is splendid.
I know that ALEXANDER NEVSKY has received classic status and is one of the most influential film scores of all time but I find myself getting more out of GADFLY, emotionally, than I do from ALEXANDER NEVSKY. GADFLY, at least to me, is one of the best film scores ever composed! Superb music!
Highly recommended!
Shostakovich: The Film Music of Dmitri Shostakovich, Vol. 2 / BBC Philharmonic conducted by Vassily Sinaisky
Chandos 095115118320
