[This disc] seems to be as much documentary evidence of the RLPO’s renaissance under Petrenko as they are confirmations of his qualities as a Shostakovich conductor…the orchestral playing is quite outstanding in both.
Andrew Clements
The Guardian - October 2009
CD OF THE WEEK
"Petrenko’s achievement is astonishing. Naxos’ recording is outstandingly clear and the performance is world class…an unmissable bargain.
Hugh Canning
The Sunday Times - November 2009
St Petersburg comes to Liverpool in an impressive Shostakovich symphony coupling…the performance as a whole is deft and undeniably persuasive…If things continue like this Petrenko may well prove himself an orchestra builder of distinction in the Koussevitsky mould. Recommended.
David Gutman
Gramophone - December 2009
The long violin lines in No. 5 are expressively done, and the woodwind and brass are first-class throughout.
Richard Lawrence
Classic FM - December 2009
A truly breathtaking response from Vasily Petrenko and his now world-class Liverpudlians…superb playing all round.
David Nice
BBC Music Magazine - December 2009
The Petrenko effect on the RLPO is evident in this contrasting pairing of Shostakovich symphonies—an epic, broadly conceived fifth and a wittily sardonic Ninth.
Hugh Canning
The Sunday Times - December 2009
Vasily Petrenko has brought Liverpool’s orchestra back into the top rank. Its acutely responsive account of the great Fifth Symphony is evidence of the close rapport between the players and their young conductor.
Michael Kennedy
The Sunday Telegraph - January 2010