Russian master BASIL RAMSEY enjoying Shostakovich BIS    CD-1256

To me, and doubtless many others, Shostakovich is a composer for weaving long and fascinating adagios, from which we may at first focus on the use of texture -- partly from the structure that keeps tightening and relaxing, and partly from harmonic colour, often in dark and restless array. But it would be nothing more than muzak if the brain behind it was not of a splendid architect deploying the ingredients linked to a preciseness of development and fulfilment.

This BIS collection gathers the Rudolf Barshai scorings of Quartets 8 and 10, and also places a world première alongside -- the Suite on Finnish Themes from 1939, which is mostly voice and instruments in a folksy jollification [listen -- track 2, 0:00-1:05]. But there remains a relentless vivacity that is the very essence of this Russian master. Some tracks display it more than others. These performances are true to the music and its ambience.

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