Search - Gustav Mahler, Herbert Kegel, Vera Soukupova :: Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde

A very fine performance

L. Johan Modée | Earth | 07/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Herbert Kegel's reputation as a fine Mahler interpreter rests largely on his two studio recordings of the first and fourth symphonies. Both are outstanding. Recently, however, the minor record company Weitblick has released two live performances of great interest: the one considered here of Das Lied von der Erde, recorded 1977, and a 1984 performance of the third symphony.



The present recording with Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Leipzig, Reiner Goldberg and Verá Soukupová strikes me as outstanding in many respects. First, the orchestral playing is excellent, sharpened by a superb interpretation. Kegel's approach emphasizes the modernist aspects of this work, and you'll hear interesting details that are unheard in many other recordings.



Second, the sound is surprisingly good, with a remarkable presence and detail. (Unfortunately, this includes a coughing Leipzig audience, which occasionally is somewhat disturbing.)



Third, Reiner Goldberg's tenor part is just as vulnerable and powerful as one could wish. It is as good as Kmentt's for Kubelik (Audite) and Schreier's for Sanderling (Berlin Classics).



Fourth, Verá Soukupová's mezzo part is interesting, while perhaps not being the most preferable. She has an impressive voice with operatic qualities. But that quality is not entirely fitting in the present context. Nonetheless, it is a good and convincing performance in its own right.



So, to sum up, while this recording cannot compete with the very best, such as Kubelik's (Audite), Walter's (SONY), and Klemperer's (EMI), it has many outstanding qualities. Thus it is warmly recommended for the dedicated Mahlerite."