“Santtu conducts Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10” is the fifth album from Philharmonia Records. Largely interpreted as depicting Stalin’s regime in Russia, the orchestra delivers tragedy, violence and gloom before the brief but triumphant finale. Conducted by Santtu-Matias Rouvali, this performance was recorded at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in April 2024.
“Themes from the previous movements are intriguingly revived and intertwined and the sheer energy of Rouvali’s onslaught upon the music almost convinces us of the heroism of resistance and endurance, ultimately rewarded by explosive, joyous liberation.” – Ralph Moore – MusicWeb International
“Santtu-Matias Rouvali vigilantly directs the varied dynamics, always on point and with emotion on the surface, with a language of rare clarity and undeniable warmth” – Sonograma
“The first movement is both atmospheric and flowing, sensitively delineating each stage in the unfolding psychological drama.” – Gramophone