Larry Sherwood and Alexandros Rigas write about live performances of
Shostakovich "Babi Yar" Symph.  no 13

I don't know about Baltimore, but I can testify to Athens' magnificent
modern concert hall, German-designed I believe, all white marble and tinted
glass.  The acoustic is very live and very sensitive.  I can well imagine
that a good performance of "Babi Yar" there would be quite some experience.

During 1998 (February through October) there was a Shostakovichfest in
London presenting all fifteen symphonies in chronological order, and much
else besides, with Rostropovich conducting the LSO when he wasn't playing
his 'cello.  Also involved were Bashmet and Vengerov, and of course the
soloist in "Babi Yar" was Aleksashkin.  All the texts were in Russian.
Bliss was it in 1998 to be alive, but to be in London was very heaven!

'Slava', IMO, is one of those performers who are much better heard live
than on CD.

"Alan Moss" <[log in to unmask]>