... I've got to mention a stunning new bargain I've just discovered. If you're a Shostakovich fan, or if you've just heard a few of his symphonies and feel like exploring further, there's a new complete cycle on the market that just has to be mentioned. For those not familiar with Shostakovich's symphonies, suffice it to say that while hardly experimental in the conventional sense, this is probably the most important symphonic cycle of the 20th century. The composer's struggle to be creative and truthful in the face of a repressive regime is well documented and palpable throughout the entire series. Rudolph Barshai conducts the NDR Symphony Orchestra in all 15 symphonies in a new boxed set available on the Brilliant Classics label. The symphonies themselves can be uneven, but they're all worth hearing, and Barshai's interpretations are all extremely well conceived and executed... small wonder, since he worked so extensively with the composer. You might find better recordings of the individual symphonies (I know I'd never want to be without Bernstein's recording of number 5, for instance), but this is just one of the best executed cycles I've ever heard, well recorded and exceptionally well played. It would take far too long to break down the individual highlights, but the 5th is a particularly strong version (lacking the reckless bravado of Bernstein in the final movement, but taken at a much more sensible pace that's equally valid and probably more faithful to the composer's intent) and even the problematic Soviet-futurist 2nd and 3rd come off as worth hearing. I'm only up to 8 (since yesterday!) and nothing has let me down, and reviews have indicated that the final three symphonies are worth the price of admission alone. Best of all, this 11-disc whopper sells for under $40. Run, don't walk. Steve Smith ssmith36@sprynet.com NP - Dmitri Shostakovich, Symphony No. 8 - WDRSO / Barshai (Brilliant)