Scottish Ensemble - Shostakovich - The Observer

The Scottish Ensemble take on three major works by Dimitri Shostakovich including the Russian composer's powerful Chamber Symphony.

The symphony - dedicated to the victims of war and fascism - is one of the most powerful and moving string works of the 20th century and is delivered with grace and elegance under the direction of violinist Clio Gould, portraying every rich detail of the composer's masterwork.

The disc also includes first rate readings of his Piano Concerto No. 1 for piano, trumpet and strings, and featuring john Wallace on trumpet and Sophia Rahman at the piano, and also Two pieces for String Octet.