Pedestrian interpretation but good sound
Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 02/13/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Andrew Litton help;d revitalize the always endangered Dallas Sym., and his Mahler cycle has been recorded in excellent sound -- even the major companies are hard pressed to equal it. But he has no real affinity for the composer. This is a straight-ahead Fifth with regular tempos and an even disposition. It will appeal primarily, I think, to listeners who don't want Mahler interpreted in the first place. For me, everything is too bland and faceless, but I did enjoy the warm, detailed sonics. There are excellent Mahler Fifths at the budget level, especially one on Naxos led by James DePriest. It has more vitality than Litton's amble through the score."