I enjoyed Mr. Schwartz's review of Rostropovich's Shostakovich 11. Here
in Los Angeles Salonen and the Phil have started a Shostakovich cycle,
running chronologically, with 3 scheduled each year. Next year we get
7-9.

However, I would like to better understand the comment about "Bartok's
humorless lead" as applies to criticism of the Seventh. I assume this
is a reference to the parody in the Concerto for Orchestra. I happen to
like both that parody AND the actual Seventh Symphony, so I'm comfortable
with contradictions. I can't quite see how Bartok was "humorless,"
however. Especially as the parody ends with one of the great orchestral
raspberries. Maybe it is mean-spirited, but I see a wicked grin on
Bartok's face as he composed this. And the contrast between this parody
and the achingly beautiful melody that otherwise dominates that movement
makes it one of favorite pieces of music.

Am I reading either Bartok or Mr. Scwartz wrong?

C Mullins
Redondo Beach