Title : Mahler: Symphony No9
Author : Mahler, Gustav
Release Date : 19990223
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $17.98
Amazon.com Price : $14.59
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Editorial Reviews : Mahler's Ninth is the epitome of his symphonic writing. It is in four movements: a 30-minute, discursive but highly polyphonic treatment of several extended melodies and striking rhythmic motives; a 15-minute dance-like movement with three distinct themes in different tempos; a riotous, 13-minute scherzo that pits energetic motives against each other fugally; and a 27-minute adagio with a gorgeous opening that returns several times, each more powerfully scored than the last, only to dissolve devastatingly at the end. Zander, long a cult figure on Boston's music scene, leads the fine English orchestra in a 'live' performance that investigates the score's characteristics with particular attention to Mahler's expressive markings and dynamic indications. In the first three movements, these are problematic, and Zander's attentions prove fascinating. The finale demands less in the way of detail, but more in the way of visionary expressiveness. Here, Zander is less convincing. Excellent sound.
Buyer Reviews : This rendering of the Mahler 9 is simply the finest I have heard, that goes for Karajan, Bernstein - anyone. Zander's attention to detail is what is so non-pareil. His tempo in the first movement is wonderful. He seems one of the few conductors to actually give full expansion to the music - allowing an entire half hour to get through this movement alone. The Rondo-Burlesque is intense and riveting. The last movement is simply marvelous. You will scarcely hear another conductor insist on such close scrutiny of the dynamics as Zander seemingly does. At bar 28, there is a very high passage for the first violins marked pp and 'ohne empfindung' - without expression. You will scarcely hear it played in more stark and diaphanous fashion, and the effect is magnificent. I would recommend this recording without reservation. If you have heard others, you need to hear this one - it will show you Mahler's Ninth in a new way, probably closer to what Mahler intended than any other conductor.
