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Great Mahler 7

12/09/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Contrary to other music lovers and especially (I presume) Mahlerites, Mahler's 7th has been a special favourite of mine. In my humble opinion, this work and especially the final movement is underrated. I've been fascinated with the final movement and find it conceptually similar to most propably Bruckners greatest movement...the finale of the 8th.Namely a new type of finale flowing along with musical logic,development and propulsion.The first time I heard the symphony was with Klemperer. The latest version I bought was with Horenstein with the same orchestra...WHAT A DIFFERENCE. Again Horenstein triumphs.One feels the unison of the symphony notwithstanding the different moods of the movements. Horenstein again brings out the most of the orchestra albeit there are quite a few "glitches". His interpretation is outstanding.My only regret is the standard of the recording which is certainly not up to studio standards. what is especially enoying is the almost incessant coughing of the audience which in some way spoils the pleasure.This is a constant phenomenon with other Horenstein live recordings especially the BBC Legends...this is a shame. However I must give a rating of 5 stars because this is Mahler's 7th with Horenstein..a must."

So you think you know Mahler 7 ?

09/22/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I did until I heard this performance. Horenstein digs deeper in this great sprawling work than any conductor I know except Barbirolli. The recording stands as a great testament to Horenstein's uncanny sympathy with the composer. For those who complain that say the finale is a rag bag of pastiche, try this recording - all becomes clear; the blazing, kaleidoscopic score is melded into a great arching whole in Horenstein's hands. The Philharmonia are their usual brilliant self - and Horenstein's brilliance at the podium is in complete contrast to the stumbling, gaunt Klemperer recording made only 2 years before.For Mahlerians, this CD along with the ultimate Das Lied recorded by Horenstein a few years later are essential items in the collection.The sound is decent, but the performance is unique."