classical: new releases

Eleni Karaindrou Eternity and a Day Camerata Athens (ECM)

Eleni Karaindrou's enchanting and haunting score to the film Eternity and a Day rearranged by Manfred Eicher to startling effect. Various permutations of wind instruments and strings make up the 18 tracks. Kalaindrou's idiom is always accessible and melodious. On top of that, the sound quality and balance here is superb. HHHH

Shostakovich Symphonies Nos 5, 7 & 9 USSR Symphony Orchestra, Svetlanov (ZYX Music)

This new series of double CDs is a nice idea, packaging key masterworks of Russian composers alongside contemporary art. Georgij Moroz is the featured painter here, and while the old Soviet performances show their age, the expansive Seventh is the most stirring. HHHH