3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dark Horse Mahler Sixth, May 5, 2011
This review is from: Mahler: Symphony No. 6 A Minor (Audio CD)
[From WETA's Mahler Survey 2009]
Jonathan Darlington and the Duisburg Philharmonic put down a first movement that comes as close to my ideal as any. On the audiophile Acousense label [...] the Duisburg band puts its foot down from the opening notes achieving a gripping, raw cello sound and enormous forward drive. At almost 23 ½ minutes Darlington is on the slower side of first movements, but his opening sounds--and is--faster than just about anyone else's. The pace, if not the speed, is kept up throughout... but then slackens a little in the following Andante, one of the slowest on record. The cowbells, unfortunately, sound more like an inconsiderate caterer's clangy dinner cart is being pushed by the orchestra, but that's my only real complaint. The Scherzo and the Finale are ravishing. A terrific performance well caught in concert."
Top Mahler 6 Choices
1. Benjamin Zander, Philharmonia Orchestra, Telarc
2. Pierre Boulez, Wiener Philharmoniker, DG
3. Jonathan Darlington, Duisburger Philharmoinker, Acousence
4. John Barbirolli, New Philharmonia Orchestra, EMI
5. Mitropoulos, WDRSO, Greatest Conductors of the 20th Century / Urania
6. Michael Gielen, SWRSO, Hänssler
7. Christoph Eschenbach, Philadelphia Orchestra, Ondine
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
