Symphony No. 5 in D minor

Dmitri Shostakovich

Recordings

Top Choice

1988

Gil's top recommendation. 'Sounds wonderful... this beautiful darkness that they bring to it.' He finds it a good first version.

1984 Live recording

For 'something that is more... obviously dramatic... milks the emotions for all they're worth. It's almost over the top.'

1959

'Hits you right from the beginning... great sound... superbly dramatic, very assertive... final movement... at a very brisk pace.'

1979 Live in Tokyo

A 'more mature Bernstein... not as fast in the finale... emotions are held in check more,' but still impactful.

1965

'Emotions are held in check... and then he kind of picks his spots. It's a really, really powerful interpretation.'

1939

Gil's choice for 'the most emotional... the most grinding, the one that just has the deepest... emotional impact.'