Barshai

Simply put, this set is a treasure that is also a bargain. Two masterful performances by Barshai and the outstanding Junge Deutsche Philharmonie (a youth orchestra playing like a world class orchestra), both performances among the best available versions of each work. Mahler's unfinished score for his Tenth symphony has been ably projected and realized in performing editions of (most commonly) Deryck Cooke, Joe Wheeler, Clinton Carpenter, Remo Mazzetti, and others. Performances of the Tenth are now commonplace, and there are numerous recordings, many compelling.

Firma Melodiya presents a unique boxed set with recordings of Beethoven’s symphonies 1 to 8 conducted by Rudolf Barshai. One of the most prominent representatives of domestic music performing art of the 20th century, Rudolf Barshai was a man of amazingly versatile talents. His character combined obsession of a seeker and explorer of new sides to performance with an aspiration for his own creative way avoiding a bitten path.

Mahler - Barshai : Symphony No. 10 (Recon. Barshai) & 5
Classical | 2CD | FLAC (Tracks) + CUE + LOG | HQ Complete Scans | 780MB
Publisher: Brilliant Classics

Rudolf Barshai's Mahler Fifth earned a "10" for artistic quality when it first appeared on Laurel Records, and its reappearance at budget price, more readily available, should win this magnificent performance many more friends. But the main event here has to be Barshai's own orchestration of the unfinished Tenth Symphony, heavily scored for a huge orchestra that doesn't sound especially Mahlerian (at this stage in his career Mahler's own scoring would have been much leaner and more economical), but nevertheless played to the hilt by Barshai and his remarkable youth ensemble.

The first movement in particular has the most hair-raisingly terrifying climax that anyone has ever achieved from this music. Part of the effect may derive from Barshai's fuller instrumentation and bolder dynamics, and you can't help but notice the date of this live performance: September 12, 2001. Whatever the reason, the entire reading has tremendous intensity and conviction, though as with all arrangers of this work Barshai hasn't quite solved the problem of the finale's quick middle section and the return of the first-movement climax–nor perhaps (at this stage of composition) had Mahler. Also, despite enthusiastic and committed playing from the orchestra, the ensemble is a touch less steady than in the Fifth (nothing serious, just noted in comparison), and the sonics are a bit more opaque. Never mind: this is essential listening for Mahlerians and is self-recommending, particularly at the Brilliant Classics price. – David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com

The Moscow Chamber Orchestra was created in 1956 by renowned conductor and violist Rudolf Barshai, and has long been considered a Russian national treasure.

Dmitry Shostakovich, who entrusted the first performance of his Fourteenth Symphony to the Orchestra, said: “This must be the greatest chamber orchestra in the world.”

This CD, the latest title within the acclaimed Russian Masters series, presents three towering Russian musicians. At a superb 1960 Prague Spring festival concert, Kogan, Barshai and Rostropovich performed together three of Beethoven’s four string trios. These pieces are seldom played in combination since they require from the musicians a rare combination of virtuosity and humility, as well as mutual respect between the chamber players.

This edition is an interpretation of the "Art of Fugue " by the means of the wonderful Bach's orchestra, conducted by Rudolf Barshai. Its aim was the the nearest approach to the Bach's score.