Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Although Litton and the BSO proved to be adept partners in the concerto, they really came into their own in [Shostakovich's] Fifth Symphony. The conductor beautifully molded the opening movement's contrasting shades and lyrical outbursts; he drew out the closing measures with such intensity that it was possible to hear the pain behind the notes, rather than just steely strength.

— Tim Smith, The Baltimore Sun