Post by sgb January 5, 2008 (1 of 4)
|
|
Three out of three positive recommendations, and one very excellent review, but no mention of the vocalists and choral segments of this masterpiece.
Of course, the instrumentation in the symphony is mesmerizing, but it's when the Urlicht begins, that this symphony, no, this epiphany, casts its spell on me; even as I write this, I can hear Christa Ludwig (on the glorious Mehta/VPO recording for Decca)beckon me, "Ich bin von Gott, und will weider zu Gott! Der liebe Gott..." By the time we're lead into the Auferstehung... "O glaube, du warst nicht unsomst geborhen! ...our evangelical conversion should be complete.
So, would someone comment on these segments of the work for me? And, please, if there is a far less expensive version of this recording on regular CD, where can I buy a copy?
|
|
|
|
|
|
sgb said:
Three out of three positive recommendations, and one very excellent review, but no mention of the vocalists and choral segments of this masterpiece.
Of course, the instrumentation in the symphony is mesmerizing, but it's when the Urlicht begins, that this symphony, no, this epiphany, casts its spell on me; even as I write this, I can hear Christa Ludwig (on the glorious Mehta/VPO recording for Decca)beckon me, "Ich bin von Gott, und will weider zu Gott! Der liebe Gott..." By the time we're lead into the Auferstehung... "O glaube, du warst nicht unsomst geborhen! ...our evangelical conversion should be complete.
So, would someone comment on these segments of the work for me? And, please, if there is a far less expensive version of this recording on regular CD, where can I buy a copy?
I couldn't agree more about the magic of the "Urlicht" and choral parts of this symphony. To be honest, although I love this performance, it's not for the voices. If you're looking for an Urlicht, my favorites are probably Lorraine Hunt Lieberson for MTT (SACD) and Christa Ludwig for the second Lenny recording on DGG (RBCD).
In any case, the voices are recorded well, the "Auferstehn" has stunning detail, with some imperfections and individual voices sticking out at different points. An RBCD of this performances has been available as part of this set:
http://www.amazon.com/Bernstein-Century-Mahler-Symphonies-etc/dp/B0000029XX/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1199598368&sr=8-3
Cheers,
Matt
|
|
|
Post by jdaniel January 6, 2008 (3 of 4)
|
|
sgb said:
Three out of three positive recommendations, and one very excellent review, but no mention of the vocalists and choral segments of this masterpiece.
I know both early Bernstein performances on Columbia lp: both recordings only hint at the excitement of the live experience and specifically, the NYPO choral and orchestral finale practically disintegrates into "white noise" on the poor Lp. Tragic, considering the pressing/recording accomplishments of Decca and EMI at the same time. I acquired a reel to reel of the NYPO performance as well, and can report the same depressing results, though Bernstein's exciting treatment of the finale is slightly more transparent. I wonder how much the master tapes could possibly have been salvaged by recent SACD treatment?
The good news is the Bernstein's final performance, recorded live by DGG in '87 is his best of all, and receives an aptly spectacular recording, spacious, weighty and dynamic, and when that organ pedal comes in, I get weak in the knees. The CD is typically flat, harmonically undernourished, and somewhat harsh, but the Lp (if you have a turntable), remedies all. We can only hope that DGG will allow Bernstein's final incomplete Mahler cycle, (or at least this show-stopping 2nd) to be released on SACD, and I'm sure it's ready for surround sound presentation as it is. Oh, Ludwig and Hendricks are the soloists. There is no better Mahler 2nd. : )
|
|
|
Post by sgb January 7, 2008 (4 of 4)
|
|
Thank you both for your comments.
|
|
