In a passionate and emotionally gripping recording, Scottish Ensemble performs Scottish Ensemble deeply personal Chamber Symphony, a transcription by Rudolf Barshai of the composer’s monument to ‘the victims of fascism and war’.

Originally released in 2000, 'Shostakovich: Chamber Symphony' has been re-issued as part of Linn’s Echo series which offers a second chance to enjoy the best of the label’s award-winning catalogue.

The Chamber Symphony is a gripping portrayal of brutality of conflict. Its jagged, dynamic rhythms in the central sections are contrasted by elegiac outer movements that never fail to move the listener.

In contrast, the Piano Concerto is one of the most exuberant examples of Shostakovich’s wonderfully subversive sense of humour. Sophia Rahman and John Wallace are the highly accomplished soloists who excel in this repertoire.

The programme concludes with the rarely heard Two pieces for string octet which includes the feverishly brilliant Scherzo.

Re-defining the string orchestra, Scottish Ensemble inspires audiences with vibrant and powerful performances. Scottish Ensemble is the UK’s only professional string orchestra, built around a core of twelve outstanding string players. The ensemble is known both in the UK and internationally for its versatility and ambitious programming.

Performing standing up, the individual layers bring an energetic and passionate dynamic to every performance.

"It would be difficult to think of an ensemble better suited to Shostakovich's Chamber Symphony." - The Times

"The quality of the string playing throughout is outstanding: admirably expressive, fearlessly virtuosic and surprisingly full-toned." - The Strad

"The Piano Concerto, too, is full of detail and deftness. The trumpet obbligato is rattled off with dry wit by John Wallace." - Daily Telegraph