Abbado Mahler 6
Posted by: Tam on 18 June 2005
As many of you know I'm a bit of a Mahler fan, and I am particularly fond of Abbado's recent efforts with the BPO (their 7th is particularly fine). So, I was quick to purchase their new recording of the 6th symphony.
First off, it's on two discs, which is a shame because the total length is just under 80 minutes, and I'm sure I've got discs that run longer than that. I think the explanation is probably down to the fact that this is an SACD hybrid. Which annoys me - I have to put up with two discs so that the tiny percentage of people who actually own an SACD player can get that little extra. :O
Still, what of the recording? My previous reference is probably Jansons on LSO Live, partly because I love the wonderfully clear percussion on that recording. I'm also fond of Mackerras's version (which was on the cover of BBC Music a few months back, and we had a thread on). Like Jansons and Mackerras, Abbado swaps the Scherzo and the Andante around. This has aroused some debate in the past as the published version is the other way (scherzo-andante) yet the composer himself swapped it round in the premier. Personally I prefer it with the andante first (possibly why my first two choices go that way).
The tempos were perhaps a little too broad for my liking at times, and I felt there was a certain lack of tension. I also would prefer a little more drive sometimes. But, for my money a very enjoyable listen and Abbado once again showing that he's one of the top Mahler interpreters of the day, the 'high priest' as the quoted FT piece calls him.
By my calculations, the 4th should be next up, so I'm really looking forward to that.
The recording is outstandingly good, and the tones of the brass are stunning, as are the drum beats and the hammer blows towards the end. (I hope I didn't piss off the neighbours too much
).
So, better that Jansons? Well, I have one really, really bit reservation with this performance. The fact it's a hybrid disc and it's copy protected. Which means, when I stick it in my computer it gets spat straight back out again, and that really annoys me. If they're going to stick a 'cd' logo on something, then it should be a cd and I should be able to put it in my computer.
So, worth a listen, except I really don't want people buying copy protected discs (otherwise they'll keep making them). Jansons is every bit as good, arguably better, cheaper and lacking any such restrictions.
regards,
Tam
First off, it's on two discs, which is a shame because the total length is just under 80 minutes, and I'm sure I've got discs that run longer than that. I think the explanation is probably down to the fact that this is an SACD hybrid. Which annoys me - I have to put up with two discs so that the tiny percentage of people who actually own an SACD player can get that little extra. :O
Still, what of the recording? My previous reference is probably Jansons on LSO Live, partly because I love the wonderfully clear percussion on that recording. I'm also fond of Mackerras's version (which was on the cover of BBC Music a few months back, and we had a thread on). Like Jansons and Mackerras, Abbado swaps the Scherzo and the Andante around. This has aroused some debate in the past as the published version is the other way (scherzo-andante) yet the composer himself swapped it round in the premier. Personally I prefer it with the andante first (possibly why my first two choices go that way).
The tempos were perhaps a little too broad for my liking at times, and I felt there was a certain lack of tension. I also would prefer a little more drive sometimes. But, for my money a very enjoyable listen and Abbado once again showing that he's one of the top Mahler interpreters of the day, the 'high priest' as the quoted FT piece calls him.
By my calculations, the 4th should be next up, so I'm really looking forward to that.
The recording is outstandingly good, and the tones of the brass are stunning, as are the drum beats and the hammer blows towards the end. (I hope I didn't piss off the neighbours too much
).So, better that Jansons? Well, I have one really, really bit reservation with this performance. The fact it's a hybrid disc and it's copy protected. Which means, when I stick it in my computer it gets spat straight back out again, and that really annoys me. If they're going to stick a 'cd' logo on something, then it should be a cd and I should be able to put it in my computer.
So, worth a listen, except I really don't want people buying copy protected discs (otherwise they'll keep making them). Jansons is every bit as good, arguably better, cheaper and lacking any such restrictions.
regards,
Tam