Search - Gustav Mahler, Spoken Word, Benjamin Zander :: Mahler: Symphony No. 3 [Hybrid SACD]

Great traditional surround performance

D. Vieweg | Arlington, MA | 06/20/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I became determined to listen to all the stereo or surround versions of Mahler's 3rd that are currently available. It was an exercise in recognizing the power of interpretation, the differences in acoustic spaces, timing, rythmic pacing and execution.

I found this copy useful for the extra tutorial disk. The performance itself is well measured, controlled, and consistent. The vocalist in the fourth movement has a touch too much vibrato for my taste, but not so much that the vocalization distracts from the rest of the performance of that piece. The last movement is very well executed and really leaves me feeling satisfied.



This is an excellent recording but it is not an adventurous interpretation of Mahler's 3rd. The conductor's love of Mahler is so obvious in the tutorial disk and this performance respects the original intention of the work rather than venturing into new interpretive territory. If you are new to Mahler's 3rd, this is an excellent recording to start with, whether to be listened to in two channel CD, two channel SACD or surround SACD. If you are like me and want to round out your education that starts with Bruno Walter and ends with Chially or other new interpretations since the end of 2007, this is a great addition to your collection."