Few works give a deeper insight into the interior landscape of the Russian soul than the Tenth Symphony of Shostakovich and when the LP of this performance first appeared I spoke of it as ''a powerful and gripping account of what is, by general consent, Shostakovich's masterpiece''. So far it is the only version of the symphony to appear here on CD, but in any event I think it is hardly likely to be superseded in the near future. Karajan has the measure of its dramatic sweep and brooding atmosphere, as well as its desolation and sense of tragedy. Haitink's LP account (Decca) is nowhere near so intense or for that matter so well played, though the recording has impressive transparency of detail. There are many things here (the opening of the finale, for example) which are even more succesful than in Karajan's 1966 LP recording (also on DG, but no longer available), though the main body of the finale still feels too fast—however, it is (at crochet = 176) what the composer asked for. I also find his earlier account of the first movement more moving—particularly the poignant codda. However, the differences are not significant and this is hardly less impressive. The CD enjoys the usual advantages of greater range and presence, and deserves a strong recommendation.'