Pablo Massa wrote:

>My father held once a rough discussion with some natives of Washington DC
>concerning Washington National Symphony Orchestra. They were defenders of
>Rostropovich, and my father said that Howard Mitchell was a much better
>director. He recommended me highly his version of Shostakovitch 5th. I
>haven't heard any Mitchell's recording, but I can assure that Shostakovitch
>5th. by Rostropovich with WNSO is crap. Does anyone knows if that symphony
>by Mitchell is available, and where?.  Commentaries are welcome.

I have a friend who played for decades with the NSO, including what he
called the "nightmare" days of Mitchell. He, like many, had his problems
with Rostropovich but no-one can deny that the orchestra gained in stature
and quality under his rule. I heard a performance of the DSCH 5 with them
years ago in Carnagie Hall and it remains one of my most treasured musical
memories.

David Runnion
Mallorca