Classical CD Guide

Hassel, Could you do a big favor and look up recommendations for Shostakovich symphonies, #'s 4,5,6,7,11? I'll probably get the book later, but am curious about these at the moment.

While I don't have that guide......

For Shostakovich 5 & 6 you can get them together on a Sony Classical CD with the NYP conducted by Berstein.
The number is SMK 47615

For the 7th there is a very good live recording with Bernstein conducting the Chicago Symphony. It also includes the Symphony #1.

I also has Shostakovich #1 & 6 on one CD, and #7 on another with Yuri Temirkanov conducting the St. Petersburg Philharmonic. I've heard Yuri conduct #7 and #13 in Baltimore in the last year.

There is also a nice live 5th with Bernstein and the NYP recorded in Japan, that comes with an early 1982 recording of Yo-Yo Ma playing the cello concerto with Ormandy/Philadelphia.

Shostakovich No.4 recommendation by Gramophone: Simon Rattle and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra EMI CDC5 55476-2 (1994)
No.5: Neemi Järvi with Scottish National Orchestra, Chandos CHAN 8560 (1998). Mariss Jansons and Vienna Philharmonic EMI CDC5 56442-2 (1997)
No.6: Andrew Litton and Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Delos DE3283 (2000)
No.7: Leonard Bernstein and Chicago Symphony, DG 427 632-2GH2 (1988)
No recomm. for No.11

If you are interested in the 10th, the Von Karajan/Berlin seems to be at the top of everyone's list. I own it as well and can attest that it is a great performance.

Neeme Jarvi/Scottish also gets good marks for his 10th (and 5th mentioned above).

For Shostakovich, I would recommend the complete set by Barshai on Black Box--a fantastic bargain all way around.