Bernstein conveys the harrowing wartime narrative of the Leningrad with overwhelming emotional power, dispelling any lingering doubts about the greatness of Shostakovich's work. Recorded 20 years ago, this still remains the benchmark performance.

Bernstein’s climax is simply immense. He makes the passage more intense than I can ever recall hearing it...And lest you should think that everything is overwrought, the heart visibly on Bernstein’s sleeve, that’s not so...His is a mighty, intense conception and the Chicago Symphony brings that conception to life with awesome playing.