
CLASSICAL SOURCE
Ilan Volkov and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra here gave an account of Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony that was refreshing for its directness and lack of affectation. The first movement was forward-moving and cohesive, its interior elements beautifully delineated. The gutsy symphonic argument was projected with unusual clarity, and when a mood of serenity takes over towards the close there was some remarkably fine playing from horn and woodwinds.