The performance of Shostakovich's Symphony No. 10 by the NHK Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Michiyoshi Inoue is a testament to the enduring power and complexity of Shostakovich's work. Symphony No. 10 is a deeply emotional and politically charged piece, reflecting the composer's experiences living under Stalinist oppression.

Inoue's interpretation brings out the full spectrum of emotions embedded within the symphony. From the brooding introspection of the opening movement to the frenetic energy of the second movement's scherzo, each section is meticulously crafted to convey the intensity and turmoil of Shostakovich's musical narrative.

The orchestra's performance is exemplary, with each section displaying impeccable technical prowess and a deep understanding of the work's expressive nuances. The strings exhibit a rich, sonorous tone, particularly in the hauntingly beautiful passages of the third movement. The woodwinds and brass sections shine in their moments of prominence, adding depth and color to the overall texture of the symphony.

Inoue's conducting style is sensitive to the ebb and flow of the music, allowing for moments of poignant introspection as well as explosive climaxes. His pacing is deliberate yet dynamic, drawing the listener into the emotional journey of the symphony from start to finish.

Overall, the NHK Symphony Orchestra's performance of Shostakovich's Symphony No. 10 under Michiyoshi Inoue's direction is a captivating and emotionally resonant interpretation that honors the composer's vision while showcasing the exceptional talent of both the orchestra and its conductor.

Believe it or not: This 'review' is not mine. I don't even have it. It is written by Chat GTP in less than 10 seconds! Wow! Are site reviewers still needed?

My comment: The text is as bland as in some magazine reviews. Chat GTP is an incredible internet copycat, but it lacks the personality, the feeling, the compassion... and all that.

Whose opinion is this AI-written review expressing?

No one’s. That’s just the point. If you ask Chat GTP to write a review for (fill in names/orchestra/conductor) this is what you get. It seems to be a collection of phraseology taken from the internet, the sort of what one comes across in some reviews or PR texts. It is by definition FAKE though people can take or use it for real. I did another test, asking for a bad one. I won’t repeat it here, it is incredibly bad. Some students use it for whatever they are required to write. For the time being, however, I think that we are still able to distinguish the fake from the real, but AI learns every day from us, so where will it stop?

Adrian, thanks for posting this. The AI-generated review is as bland and cliché-ridden as one can find in many magazines and newspapers. It's discouraging, but I don't think human reviewers are out of job yet!

The challenge in reviewing, as in any prose writing, is to avoid relying on overused adjectives and stock phrases. Though writing about classical music recordings, especially new or less familiar compositions, poses difficulties, not the least of which is finding words that convey the listener's subjective experience, I still believe that the effort is worth the time and trouble.

The challenge for me is trying to source Exton recordings at all. The Octavia website shop is inscrutable and not offered in English. I want to buy this recording, does anyone know how or where?

Hiredfox, the SACD is listed here:

https://www.hmv.co.jp/en/artist_Shostakovich-Dmitri-1906-1975_000000000021314/item_Symphony-No-10-Michiyoshi-Inoue-NHK-Symphony-Orchestra-Hybrid_14829163

Does anyone know if UK residents can order and receive items directly from HMV Japan?

Alternatively, there are copies listed on eBay, but with shipping from Japan, the total cost might be prohibitive.

Earlier Inoue Shostakovich SACDs on Exton were, at one time, available at cdjapan.co.jp, but this new SACD of the 10th is not yet listed.

hiredfox> I see SACD can be ordered from Tower Japan (either using Buyee or WorldShopping for international shipping.) And I see e-Onkyo Japan has DSF downloads (in 2.8 and 11.2 MHz.) For that you'll need a VPN if you are not in Japan. I've been successfully downloading from them for several years using a VPN.)

Have Inoue's Shostakovich recordings been good? I've never heard him conduct.

Many thanks chaps for the feedback. I have used CDJapan for many years but they seem to have difficulty sourcing the Octavia recordings these days.