Recommended Shostakovich?

His 5th, 7th, and 9th are the most performed, w/the 10th's second movement being one of the most intense second movements of all time IMO. The 7th (Leningrad) is wonderfully brooding, w/the 5th and 9th being more upbeat (in the Russian sense). There is a great recording on Telarc of the Atlanta Symphony of the 5th and 9th w/awesome sonics.

I love Shostakovich,but only play the symphonies when my wife is away.From the music perspective I prefer Mariss Janson conducting to all the others.Sound quality is not always perfect.I strongly recommend the violin and Cello concertos and the 11th symphony.I have over 150 cds of this composer.However to truly appreciate the orchestral music at home you need large speakers in a large room.

Try Janson's BluRay of "Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk" on Opus Arte. It is all powerful and fascinating but you will get a kick out of the close-up of Jansons' glee and animation conducting the raucous intr'acte!

Kal

Shostakovich is my favorite composer. His symphonies are treasures. They take the listener on an emotional rollercoaster ride and they make you think about what he is "saying. Without any question IMHO, no one "gets" Shostakovich like Ashkenazy. He just understands where the music is going and how to get it there. Thankfully, his recordings with different orchestras are very well recorded. If you have trouble finding some of his symphonies by Ashkenazy, then try Bernstein.

I am glad you found Shostakovich. A very conflicted man of unparalleled skill at orchestration.

Of course, I meant to mention the 10th symphony as well, as that is considered to be the best piece he ever wrote, and was also his own personal favorite. A must listen, for sure.