Mahler Mania, Rebooted

[jlaurson]

It's peculiar that, given that I never spelled it out the way you misread it...

Will the collective GMG-hood forgive me, if I say that in this case I prefer the studio DG version to this live iteration? Here is my problem: this is far and away the most virtuosic of Mahler's symphonies, and the BRSO of that time simply wasn't (yet) a top flight virtuoso orchestra.

[MishaK]

Yes, which is why a studio version is not surprisingly better than the live version, even when there were ten years between the studio and live versions. As I said, I perhaps didn't spell things out for you, but the contradiction you perceived simply wasn't there.

[Scarpia]

You really think whether the BRSO was a virtuoso orchestra in 1969 is resolvable or worth arguing about?

[jlaurson]

You really think whether the BRSO was a virtuoso orchestra in 1969 is resolvable or worth arguing about?

I thought we were bickering about language, by now. Language is always worth arguing about. 

[MishaK]

You really think whether the BRSO was a virtuoso orchestra in 1969 is resolvable or worth arguing about?

I really didn't imagine that to be an even remotely controversial statement.

[DavidRoss]

I'm about to put on MTT/SFS's recording of Mahler's 4th, one of my mostest favoritest symphonies.  To me it seems more whimsical and innocent rather than ironic and cynical, as well as more lyrical and less bombastic than many of his works.  I also love the chamber music-like clarity of the orchestration--it seems so respectful of all the voices and their contributions.

What I like in general about MTT's approach to Mahler is that he combines the clarity I like so much in Boulez and Abbado with a sensuousness that seems essential to the Maherian soundworld fashioned in fin-de-siecle Vienna.  It's been awhile since I've heard this particular recording--one of the first MTT/SFS Maher discs I acquired--and I recall being very favorably impressed by Laura Claycomb's Heavenly Life.

[Leo K.]

Here is a top ten list of my favorite Mahler recordings from 2010. What are yours?

Mahler: Symphony No. 6
Gustav Mahler (Composer)
Mark Wigglesworth (Conductor)
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra)



Mark Wigglesworth's timings are just right, with tempo transitions and key passages phrased with nuance and elan, without losing the sense of urgency. I agree with a review from Amazon that describes this recording as "Disciplined and Passionate."

The Melbourne really shines, there's nothing I didn't enjoy in the execution. Details in the inner voices are very much appreciated.

Each movement seems to develop naturally from the next, as if caught in an inevitable progress. Wigglesworth has good sense not to rush the calmer, lyrical passages, such as the pastoral episodes in the faster movements. Somehow, he dwells on these passages without slowing down or holding up the urgent proceedings. The Andante doesn't sound dead in the water. There is a beautiful flowing consistancy, and doesn't feel like it takes forever to get to the finale.

While listening, I heard shades of Karajan, Sanderling, Boulez and Bertini, but Wigglesworth is definitely his own man, and I have to say, he shows that the M6 has a sensitive, gentle side too, without holding back on the climaxes. The stillness of the first trio in the scherzo is an excellant example of this effect.


Mahler: Symphony No. 9 [Hybrid SACD - DSD]
Gustav Mahler (Composer)
David Zinman (Conductor)
Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra (Orchestra)



Zinman's M9 is simply a knock out.  It reminds me somewhat of Nott's recent account, but sounds like it was created on a bigger scale, or larger canvas.  Nott's is perhaps a little more personal in tone, but Zinman's interpretation is both personal, AND cosmic.

You can be rest assured about the climaxes...the sonics and orchestra are more than up to the challenge.  As a matter of fact, Zinman's orchestra is the one element that puts him slightly ahead of Nott.  Nott's M9 is like a sister to Zinman's account.  I like both, and both are of the highest standard in playing, tone, and drama for an M9 of the 21st Century.  I have a feeling you will be very impressed with the playing.

I still love the Rattle Berlin M9, but it can't compete in terms of sonics. Zinman, Nott, Oue, and Thomas are the creme of the crop in terms of sonics.

The third climax in the first movement may be the most impressive sonically, in terms of hearing all that is in the score here.  The rusticity of the minuet will make you smile, again, I have to mention how fine the orchestra is, especially in dynamics.

The blooming crescendos in the Rondo will surprise you. AND the final climax in the Adagio will blow your mind. The sonics are perhaps the best of the cycle. Matching and perhaps exceeding his M3, M6 and M8 recordings.

The tempos, again, are like Nott, meaning that Zinman is patient, and there is no unnecessary rushing during any of the climaxes, thank God.  I like how the climaxes in I. are not rushed.  The tempos are treated with thought, and care, during the transitions all over the score.  Energy is not wasted, and this brings huge dividends later as the score progresses movement to movement.

Mahler: Symphony 7 [Hybrid SACD - DSD]
Gustav Mahler (composer)
Residentie Orch the Hague (Orchestra),
Neemi Jarvi (Conducter)



Finally, I can hear the manic terror of the Nachtmusik movements and scherzo. I rarely listen to Scherchen these days (the bad sonics keep me away), but this recording is a good Scherchen-like replacement if you want an exciting alternative view of this work.

Jarvi's vision is very consistant here, and I never felt it was too fast...the M7 sounds great with a little power and drive added. 

As much as I love Mahler's orchestration in this work, I like to move along too.  I like the idea that this symphony is a "travelogue" of sorts.  It's a Schuberterian work in many ways.  Also, the early 20th Century modernity of the work reminds me of Joyce's Ulysses, in that each movement is almost a different style than the previous.  Jarvi seems to highlight this Schubertian and Modernist quality in spades.


Mahler: Songs With Orchestra - Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, Ruckert-Lieder, Des Knaben Wunderhorn [Hybrid SACD - DSD, Import]

Susan Graham (mezzo-soprano)
Thomas Hampson (baritone)
Mahler (Composer)
Michael Tilson Thomas (Conductor)
San Francisco Symphony (Orchestra)



I return to this recording a lot (the iTunes download), and can happily express my joy and satisfaction over the experience.  Especially The Ruckert Lieder.  Bravo to Susan Graham.  Her voice is rich and expressive, with refinement and nuance.  Kudos to Michael Tilson Thomas and the SFSO for letting the music sound so transparent and un-intrusive. For those with reservations for MTT's Mahler, I'm sure the Ruckert Lieder will please very much.

I was also blown away by Thomas Hampson, but his mature voice is a mixed bag for some people.  I happen to like his mature voice on this recording, as well as his other release with MTT, on Das Lied von der Erde. He is in good form here.

I just wish the whole of Das Knaben Wunderhorn was recorded!  As it is, the selections here are very fine, and a joy to listen to over and over again.


Mahler:Symphony No 7 [Hybrid SACD - DSD]
Gustav Mahler (Composer)
David Zinman (Conductor)
Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich (Orchestra)



The Mahler 7 haunts my listening life. It's the last nut I haven't cracked with Mahler, and perhaps that's a good thing.  Perhaps the whole work is really just social night music like Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusic?  The music of the M7 reminds me of the rarefied air of Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde, with each movement projecting a different objective picture with no subjectivity added; purely show and NO tell.  This is how I hear Macal conduct Mahler's 7th; an intriguing concept and seems to work with the M7. 

The M7 was the first work of Mahler I heard live and for many years the M7 was my favorite symphony.  It's always been a mysterious work and perhaps I've been over anxious to get some answers and this is the cause for my frustration with the work the last few years.  It is a very important and transitional work in Mahler's ouevre and I think for personal reasons I've been too hard on it.  Perhaps I need to relax and just let the music wash over me like I once did.

In comparing Zinman to Bernstein's classic '60s account I have to say Lenny's is hard to beat in terms of drama, color and forward motion.  ON the other hand, Zinman provides a cooler look into this score not heard in Lenny's account.  By "cooler" I mean Zinman plays the M7 straight (but not boring). Because of this the spooky parts and romantic parts suddenly jump out you, surprising you and providing contrast with the straightforward tempos that serve to highlight the details of the score and harmonic progression. AND the sonics are among the most impressive for M7 on SACD.  I'm glad to have these two different approaches on hand.


Mahler: Symphony No.3
Gustav Mahler (Composer)
Petra Lang (Contralto)
American Boy Choir
Alan Gilbert (Conductor)
New York Philharmonic (Orchestra)

(Broadcast featured on iTunes and HD Tracks)



I'm amazed by this performance.  Wow.  The nuance and orchestral detail are special, and fun to hear.  I don't think I've ever heard the 1st movement paced so well, with action and adventure at every turn.  For me this is up there with the Abbado Berlin account on DG and Zinman's recent account on RCA. 

The Gilbert Mahler 3 is among the best structured I've experienced, meaning, as each movement is heard there appears to be a flow and progress without the feeling of getting stuck or bored.  The whole symphony glows with beautiful sound.


Mahler: Symphony No.9
Gustav Mahler (Composer)
Lorin Maazel (Conductor)
New York Philharmonic (Orchestra)

(Broadcast featured on iTunes and HD Tracks)



I was overjoyed to hear the inspiration of the middle movements here...what character and detail!  What humor and madness.  Usually these movements are more or less a waystation between the first and last movements, but here they command my attention just as much. 

In this performance the first and last movements are sublime.  The string sound is as enjoyable as the recent Rattle and Oue...and the brass and percussion jump out...listen to those timpani.

I notice that Maazel's new M9 has a strong "line" of nuance and control that appears to connect the whole work, every ebb and flow makes sense and collects this huge structure together quite dramatically and convincingly (to me).

Mahler: Symphony No.6
Gustav Mahler (composer)
Lorin Maazel (Conductor)
New York Philharmonic (Orchestra)



(Broadcast featured on iTunes and HD Tracks)

The Mahler 6 from Maazel's new cycle is probably the best recorded 6th I've ever heard. And the performance, like the powerful 9th from this cycle, is a revelation in terms of detail and dynamics. This recording taught me more about this symphony than I've heard in a long time. It is amazing in terms of drama. It simply has to be heard to be believed.  If anything, listen to how the instruments are lovingly captured in the sonics.  I've never heard so much of the score as in this performance.  The instumentalists were truly playing from inspiration here. 

Even those who don't like 18 minute Andantes may love what he does in the other movements. 


Mahler: Symphony No.2
Gustav Mahler (Composer)
Simon Rattle (Conductor)
Kate Royal and Magdalena Kožená (soloists)
Rundfunkchor Berlin (Chorus)

(iTunes exclusive...official CD release in Feb 2011)



I've been listening to the Rattle/BPO M2 everyday almost, and find it amazing. I want to review it soon, but I will say, the sonics are probably the best that Rattle has had. It is truly beautifully recorded. The organ is great, so are the tamtam and strings; the whole performance is mind boggling. I had stopped buying M2 for awhile, the Fischer, MTT, and Macal were my recent favorites. But this Rattle is more powerful than those.

[The new erato]

Anybody know this:

Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fritz Wunderlich (tenor) & Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (baritone)

Wiener Symphoniker, Josef Krips

2011 is also a Mahler anniversary year – we commemorate the 100th anniversary of his death on 18 May. In conjunction with this anniversary we present a treasure from the archives: the Wunderlich / Fischer-Dieskau Das Lied von der Erde.

Mahler's great symphony of six songs on texts from an anthology of Chinese poetry was composed in summer 1908 – a period of anxiety and grief for the composer. The work celebrates the pleasures of wine and beauty and the joys of friendship, culminating in the overwhelming Abschied, a movement lasting half an hour, in which the poet takes farewell from his friend and from life.

Our CD is a live recording of a sold-out concert from the Vienna Festival, given at the Musikverein there on 14 June 1964, with tenor and baritone soloists. Josef Krips conducts the Wiener Symphoniker.

It is being released for the first time, using a unique source in the Krips family archive, a copy of the original ORF (Austrian Radio) tape, which is no longer to be found. Faithfully restored by the expert engineers at the Emil Berliner Studios in Berlin, it is a marvel of singing from the two great soloists, who were both closely associated with this great work.

Booklet notes by Thomas Voigt fill out the story with recollections from Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Harrietta Krips, the conductor's widow; illustrations include extracts from the original concert programme booklet and newspaper cuttings of the time. Full sung texts and translations included (German, English, French).

[eyeresist]

M7 is my favourite! I prefer the Tennstedt.

I've been making my way slowly through the Rattle box, and was listening to a bit of the 3rd this morning. I like Rattle's way with it, except that he doesn't smooth those rough transitions at all, making parts of it sound very patchwork. I'm still not a fan of this symphony. A lot of it is stuff I think he did better elsewhere, i.e. for the 2nd movement see the 4th symphony, for the 3rd movement see the 7th (and bits of 1, 2 and 4). The 4th movement I always find dreary. I do enjoy the 5th movement, but admit it's a bit of a Christmas card. I've always found the finale too long, contra the many who find it totally awesome. (And I can't help mentally singing "I'll be seeing you in all the old familiar places..." at certain points!) But I won't give up on it just yet.

Of the rest of the set, I haven't thought much of the Birmingham stuff in terms of playing or sound (M3 seems the best so far). I was underwhelmed by the M2. I do like his Berlin 5th a lot, and I like the Vienna 9th too, despite the criticism it has received (haven't heard the Berlin). The finale could stand to be more intense, but otherwise, very good. I already had the 10th, and still like it, though it's not perhaps the last word (how could it be?).

[knight66]

For those who have access to it, the impending BBC music magazine will have a CD of a live Mahler 8 conducted by Runnicles. I don't know any other information, but I will be looking out for it.

Mike

[knight66]

For those who have access to it, the impending BBC music magazine will have a CD of a live Mahler 8 conducted by Runnicles. I don't know any other information, but I will be looking out for it.

Mike

It has been published. I grabbed it yesterday. I was surprised it was with my old choir, the Edinburgh Festival Chorus.

Don't bother with it. Whatever excitements it holds there are two substantial problems. The main one is the poor sound. The choir is very distant, the sound is muddy and overall has a haze and little impact. The other problem is a fairly dire tenor: Simon O'Neill. He has the very occasional good note, but getting onto it and getting off it are painful for him and for us.

The conducting generates a lot of excitement and he provides periods of repose. Considering it comes from 2010, the sound is exceptionally disappointing. The Usher Hall is a difficult venue, but surely not more difficult than the Albert Hall. All three of the live Mahler 8s that I have from that venue, even one over 30 years old, are much better engineered.

What a letdown.

Mike

[eyeresist]

I guess the 8 is hard to record? I liked the Neeme Jarvi performance which was rereleased in a Brilliant mixed cycle - except that it sounded like the choir was recorded with the mic in a bathtub, and a couple of the singers are poor. I could make some allowance for the sound, but in this work you really need every singer to be of high quality, or else not bother.

What I liked in Jarvi's take, BTW, was the lack of OTT hystrionicness, and almost classical clarity and beauty. I haven't made a survey of this work yet, but from what I've heard, Abbado may suit my needs.

[knight66]

I have been in choir for that piece a fair few times and with some well known conductors. The one with Jarvi was one of the best. Spontanious and flexible. The only blot was the opening of the 2nd movement which was oddly stiff. It was a pity that one was not recorded.

Mike

[Papy Oli]

Ordered yesterday : Gilbert Kaplan - the Mahler Album

This is a beautiful book, and filled with treasures. If you like Mahler (or perhaps even if you don't), you'll enjoy this a lot.
--Bruce

I have had a first run through this book and I will have to second Bruce's comment. This book is fascinating in its contents and very well presented indeed :

Introductory entries :

- A Portrait of Mahler by Kaplan
- Mahler's Life : chronology
- Mahler's works

Photo Sections :
1 - Mahler
2 - Family and relatives
3 - Homes and Halls
4 - Paintings, Drawings, Sculptures
5 - Cartoons, Caricatures
6 - Posthumous Art
7 - Postage stamps

A superb complement to any biography. I will try and post a couple of pics of inside pages over the week-end.

[Papy Oli]

Gergiev / LSO - 7th,  Live at Salle Pleyel symphony here for a limited time :

http://sites.radiofrance.fr/francemusique/_c/php/emission/popupMP3.php?e=80000054&d=425000715

starts at about 4'30.


10th and 9th here :

http://sites.radiofrance.fr/francemusique/_c/php/emission/popupMP3.php?e=80000054&d=425000718

[klingsor]

You can also watch a video of Gergiev and LSO perform Mahler 9 & 10 (Adagio) here:

http://www.citedelamusiquelive.tv/Concert/0960360.html

[Opus106]

You can also watch a video of Gergiev and LSO perform Mahler 9 & 10 (Adagio) here:

http://www.citedelamusiquelive.tv/Concert/0960360.html

That site is a new addition to the bookmarks. Thanks.

[Papy Oli]

Ditto, thank you for the link, Klingsor 

[klingsor]

If anyone is interested in the somewhat rare and wonderful Mahler 6 from Leinsdorf and the Boston Symphony (CD rip), I have it upped here:

https://rapidshare.com/files/219662767/Mahler_-_Symphony_6-_BSO-Leinsdorf.part1.rar
https://rapidshare.com/files/219678420/Mahler_-_Symphony_6-_BSO-Leinsdorf.part2.rar
https://rapidshare.com/files/219682352/Mahler_-_Symphony_6-_BSO-Leinsdorf.part3.rar

[jlaurson]

I Like This Guy a Lot: Thomas Hampson on Gustav Mahler
May is Mahler Month on WETA, remembering the composer who
died on May 18th, one hundred years ago. Mahler is a reoccurring
topic in this column and you can find all the Mahler-themed posts
at this link and an overview of the WETA Mahler Survey here.

http://www.weta.org/fmblog/?p=3077