Ashkenazy's Mahler

[Lethevich]

Has anyone heard any of his recent Australian cycle (which I think is still in progress)? I don't know why, but I like his way with Sibelius and Rachmaninov, and I wonder whether these factors may find some interesting un-neurotic middle-ground in his Mahler. Is the orchestra up to standard in these demanding works?

[Lisztianwagner]

Ashkenazy in Mahler?!? Absolutely wonderful!! As a conductor, he's definitely outstanding in Rachmaninov, Sibelius, Shostakovich and Prokofiev, I'm sure he can do an excellent job with Mahler's music as well!

I'm really looking forward to listening to this cycle, do you know when it will be released?

[Lethevich]

I'm really looking forward to listening to this cycle, do you know when it will be released?

I was surprised to see it not even distributed by a major Australian classical seller like buywell.com. I think the best bet is the label's homepage here.

Edit: oh wait Delivery within Australia only..

I really don't know what is going on here. Does the orchestra's management not consider Ashkenazy famous enough to have international fans anymore?

[fridden]

I really like Ashkenazy and especially in Sibelius, but also in a lot of other stuff he has done.
So I was happy to see him record some Mahler as well, even though it is an unlikely combination.

I found a quote of him saying:

"I wouldn't listen too much to Mahler myself, because it's all about himself," he admits.
"Basically it's all about me – how much I suffer. But this doesn't matter, because the music grips me.
When you conduct it you are defenceless and become a slave of it, basically."

Taken from this page http://www.themonthly.com.au/music-anna-goldsworthy-classical-complex-sydney-symphony039s-mahler-cycle-2359

I currently have 3 CDs with Ashkenazy doing Mahler. Symphonies #1 (coupled with Songs of a Wayfarer), #3 and #5.
Great sound of course, but it is a very calm and like you say "un-neurotic" Mahler he gives us. Not sure it is how I would like my Mahler ...
But I have just recieved them so I need to listen a bit more to them before I really know how I feel about them !

/fridden

[Lethevich]

I currently have 3 CDs with Ashkenazy doing Mahler. Symphonies #1 (coupled with Songs of a Wayfarer), #3 and #5.
Great sound of course, but it is a very calm and like you say "un-neurotic" Mahler he gives us. Not sure it is how I would like my Mahler ...
But I have just recieved them so I need to listen a bit more to them before I really know how I feel about them !

Thank you! This sounds very appealing.

[Cato]

I really like Ashkenazy and especially in Sibelius, but also in a lot of other stuff he has done.
So I was happy to see him record some Mahler as well, even though it is an unlikely combination.

I found a quote of him saying:

Taken from this page http://www.themonthly.com.au/music-anna-goldsworthy-classical-complex-sydney-symphony039s-mahler-cycle-2359

I currently have 3 CDs with Ashkenazy doing Mahler. Symphonies #1 (coupled with Songs of a Wayfarer), #3 and #5.
Great sound of course, but it is a very calm and like you say "un-neurotic" Mahler he gives us. Not sure it is how I would like my Mahler ...
But I have just recieved them so I need to listen a bit more to them before I really know how I feel about them !

/fridden

Are they from the Sydney Symphony performances then?

Back in September I wrote this at a different topic:

"Some years ago I had the opportunity to hear the Cleveland Orchestra in concert with Vladimir Ashkenazy conducting the Bruckner 5th Symphony, and the Finale brought people to their feet!  The tempo was brisk and the brass was triumphant without being bombastic."

[fridden]

Yes, these are recordings with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (the recordings were done during the 2010 and 2011 season)

To sample some Mahler with Ashkenazy, check out the SSO's Youtube channel. http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL578500509BD1678B&feature=plcp

[eyeresist]

I was surprised to see it not even distributed by a major Australian classical seller like buywell.com. I think the best bet is the label's homepage here.

Edit: oh wait Delivery within Australia only..

I really don't know what is going on here. Does the orchestra's management not consider Ashkenazy famous enough to have international fans anymore?

I think this cycle is largely being pitched at Asia. It's distributed by the orchestra's label in Australia, and by the Octavia label "in Japan and other Asian markets", according to the Sydney Symphony media release.