Shostakovich: Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10 Tormis: Overture No. 2: Paavo Jarvi & Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

Composed in 1953, the Symphony No. 10 was Shostakovich’s first major orchestral writing since his 1948 denunciation. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra has embraced this difficult work and not only infused it with their infectious fervour, but has also shown their more delicate side. Paavo Järvi leads them with confidence and precision, especially in the excitable second movement. The structure is apparent in the highlighting of the DSCH motive (standing for D. Shostakovich in the German tradition), which runs through most of the symphony. The lesser-known Tormis Overture No. 2 is a terrific finale to highlight the continuation of the Russian compositional style.