Shostakovich's First Violin Concerto was dedicated to and premiered by legendary violinist
David Oistrakh. It is therefore fitting that one of
Oistrakh's students, Gustav Schmahl, should perform the work here with the
Dresden Philharmonic under the direction of
Kurt Masur. As is appropriate for
Shostakovich, Schmahl is not afraid to virtually attack his instrument. This recording, particularly the second-movement Scherzo, is filled with satisfying string buzzes, ferule clicks, and other trademark signs of aggressive and energetic violin playing. On the flip side, Schmahl's sound in the first-movement Nocturne is dark, sensual, and well-connected. The orchestral tuttis in this concerto are every bit as interesting as the solo violin part, and
Masur and the
Dresden Philharmonic provide an equally energetic and assertive backdrop. The low end of the orchestra is occasionally muddy, however.
Prokofiev's First Symphony, subtitled the "Classical Symphony" by the composer, is likely one of his most frequently performed and recorded works. In this recording, the muddiness of the low end of the orchestra that was only a slight problem in the
Shostakovich becomes much more problematic for
Prokofiev, robbing this symphony of its Haydn-esque lightness. The trumpet part in the first movement sticks out far too much for what should be a mere accompanimental part. So while this recording is a fitting choice for the
Shostakovich concerto, listeners may wish to turn elsewhere for
Prokofiev.