Recommended Shostakovich?

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.

Don't forget the chamber works as well -- quartets, sonata for viola and piano, and piano trios. My favorite Shostakovich piece is the Piano Trio No. 2, particularly the Beaux Arts Trio version.

I also like the Kitajenko set of symphonies as well as the Haitink set.

FWIW, as a recommendation for an excellent recording, as well as two symphonies that don't attract much attention, I recommend Jesus Lopez-Cobos' performance of the 1st and 15th Symphonies on Telarc. Shostakovich's first and last.

But for some 'easy listening' I really enjoy 1)Five Ballet Suites by Jarvi on Chandos, 2) Jazz Music (ala Shostakovich) as well as his 1st Piano Concerto, by Chailly on London, and 3)The Dance Album by Chailly on London. I have also enjoyed "The Limpid Stream" by Gennady Rozhdestvensky on Chandos.

thanks for all the excellent suggestions