Search - Gustav Mahler, Sir Georg Solti, Chicago Symphony Orchestra :: Mahler: Symphony No. 6

Not for weak-kneed sentimentalists

Jeffrey A. Knorr | New York City | 11/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was in the audience at Carnegie Hall when Solti and the CSO did the Mahler 6th in 1972 and this recording faithfully recalls the bone-crushing power of that performance. The breathtaking virtuosity of this orchestra, under the foward- thrusting, unepisodic guidance of this most exciting conductor, emphatically serve Mahler's cataclysmic vision."

Visceral, Roller-Coaster Mahler 6th

dv_forever | Michigan, USA | 08/08/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Years ago when I was first getting into classical music, this was the first recording to introduce me to Mahler's 6th. It is definitely brash and over the top. After listening to this record, you can feel for those Solti haters who attack the conductor for being too insensitive, a human torpedo. This performance is ferocious, driven by fast speeds and outstanding orchestral execution. It's mostly all up tempo except in the slow movement which is shaped more expansively than many competitive versions. Anyone who dislikes Solti, should steer clear of this record.



Fortunately for me, I quite like the guy. His reputation for being a fire-breathing maestro was shaped by his Wagner, Mahler and R. Strauss. His Beethoven and Brahms are much more traditional. I actually wish Solti would have played Beethoven in this over the top manner instead of settling for the respectful middle ground of German Romanticism.



Some Mahler fans will hate this performance and claim it robs the music of it's more profound elements. Myself personally, I've never found this symphony to be all that profound. It's a lot of heavy weather for sure but I don't equate profundity with noise and garishness. The finale just goes on and on and on... Most other conductors are slower here and more sensitive to each episode. Solti lets loose his "dogs of war", the Chicago Symphony musicians and away we go! If you want your Mahler wild and savage, this is it.



Solti's way is just one way and I would not claim it's the best path. For other perspectives, there is the clear-eyed, lucid literalist Szell, the passionate Bernstein, the sleek Karajan, the icy Boulez, the well played recent Abbado with the Berlin Philharmonic and a classic version by Barbirolli on EMI. The Barbirolli is one of the slowest and weightiest versions. A great contrast to Solti, who is weighty but driven with a sinister attack across an epic terrain. Solti fans will have to hear this but please... if you hate Solti's style, watch out! Your displeasure will only increase if you listen to this performance."

Astounding!

A. Vetter | NY | 09/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have heard this in concert and have owned most of the recordings.

This is an amazingly real recording of a great performance.

I liked Karajan's version until I remembered this one.

Chicago and Solti!

What a great combination.

Better than most out there!!!

The Abbado SACD is nowhere this good. Except in some of the playing.

A lack of cleanliness in some parts.

Otherwise, a great recording and performance!"