“But with his Fifth Symphony, which retains [Shostakovich’s] emblematic proclivities but goes straight for the heart, he established his reputation not only in the Soviet Union, but around the world. And straight for the heart is obviously what conductor Manfred Honeck was aiming for in this gripping account. I could enumerate all the distinctive touches that he brings to the score, but then this review would turn into an extra long essay. Let me just say that he knows instinctively when to push forward and when to pull back. Some of the brilliant moments in this symphony occur when Shostakovich throws in an unanticipated harmonic modulation, and Honeck actually emphasizes these singular passages by adding a touch more expressive weight to them (as he himself acknowledges in his detailed booklet notes). … And I must not forget to focus special praise on Lorna McGhee, the principal flautist. I’ve never heard the duet between the flute and horn at the return of the first movement’s beautiful lyrical theme sound so uplifting. … The sound quality of this ‘live’ Reference recording is superb and brimming with potent energy. Some of the soft passages conjure up a mysterious effect whilst the moments with heavy military percussion and brass make you want to run for cover. … Highly recommended!”
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