Symphony no. 14, op. 135 cover

Symphony no. 14, op. 135

Dmitri Shostakovich · 1988

52 min · 11 tracks · opera

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Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

95 /100
Summit
Higher than 100% of albums we've rated

The tightly shaped cycle turns its spare forces and contrasting poems into a distinctive symphonic argument, though the catalog entry leaves the specific performance uncertain.

What we noticed

  • The eleven movements set poems about death as separate vocal scenes, rather than developing a single theme across a conventional symphonic span.
  • A soprano and bass trade the lead, while strings and percussion keep the orchestral palette unusually spare.
  • The sequence moves from the grave opening of “De profundis” through sharply contrasting settings, then closes with “Conclusion” rather than a return to a conventional symphonic finale.
Composition 25% of the score
9/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
9/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
9/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Symphony no. 14, op. 135: I. De profundis 4:47
  • 2 Symphony no. 14, op. 135: II. Malagueña 2:57
  • 3 Symphony no. 14, op. 135: III. Loreley 9:01
  • 4 Symphony no. 14, op. 135: IV. The Suicide 7:14
  • 5 Symphony no. 14, op. 135: V. On Watch 3:02
  • 6 Symphony no. 14, op. 135: VI. Madam, Look! 1:59
  • 7 Symphony no. 14, op. 135: VII. In the Santé Jail 9:36
  • 8 Symphony no. 14, op. 135: VIII. Reply of the Zaporozhye Cossacks to the Sultan of Constantinople 2:15
  • 9 Symphony no. 14, op. 135: IX. O Delvig, Delvig! 4:30
  • 10 Symphony no. 14, op. 135: X. Death of the Poet 5:31
  • 11 Symphony no. 14, op. 135: XI. Conclusion 1:17

What to play next

Symphony no. 10 in E minor, op. 93 / Ballet Suite no. 4
Listen next

Symphony no. 10 in E minor, op. 93 / Ballet Suite no. 4

1988
Symphony no. 14 in G minor, op. 135 / King Lear - musical fragments, op. 58a
Go back to

Symphony no. 14 in G minor, op. 135 / King Lear - musical fragments, op. 58a

1988
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Reference: MusicBrainz