Lucky 13th: Noseda's LSO Shostakovich cycle continues to impress

"But the hero was Noseda, identifying with every bar of this demanding score. This sometimes harrowing but ultimately transfiguring piece perfectly balances orchestral, choral and solo contributions, and Noseda seemed to give attention to each exactly when it was needed, often with a thrust that makes clear that for all the power of the texts, this is symphonic music. Has the work had many better performances in the West? I heard it live only once before, some years ago with an eminent Russian group, yet ended unsure of the work’s status in the cycle. After this, I will swear on my copy of Yevtushenko’s poetry that it is the best of them." Bachtrack.com, Roy Westbrook

"Last week the London Symphony Orchestra performed his Symphony No 13, “Babi Yar” (1962) at the Barbican, under the astute direction of Gianandrea Noseda. As principal guest conductor of the LSO, he is midway through recording a complete Shostakovich symphonies cycle with these players. Whether or not because he spent part of his career in Russia, Noseda understands this music to the core. In attack, in volume, in clarity, the musicians go with him to the edge of the precipice. This was a thrilling performance." The Guardian, Fiona Maddocks