Symphony No. 5 in C sharp minor: Part One, Movement I: Trauermarsch. In gemessenem Schritt. Streng. Wie ein Kondukt
Symphony No. 5 in C sharp minor: Movement II: St?rmisch bewegt. Mit gr??ter Vehemenz
Symphony No. 5 in C sharp minor: Part Two, Movement III: Scherzo. Kr?ftig, nicht zu schnell
Symphony No. 5 in C sharp minor: Part Three, Movement IV: Adagietto. Sehr langsam
Symphony No. 5 in C sharp minor: Movement V: Rondo - Finale. Allegro
Zubin Mehta's Mahler has always been underrated, and this performance is no exception. It's true that the finale may not be the last word in physical excitement, but it's so well played--and superbly recorded--that few wil... more »l complain. In fact, it features the most spectacular work from the brass section that you'll likely ever hear in this music. Give it a shot. You'll be pleasantly surprised. --David Hurwitz« less
Zubin Mehta's Mahler has always been underrated, and this performance is no exception. It's true that the finale may not be the last word in physical excitement, but it's so well played--and superbly recorded--that few will complain. In fact, it features the most spectacular work from the brass section that you'll likely ever hear in this music. Give it a shot. You'll be pleasantly surprised. --David Hurwitz
CD Reviews
An Excellent Choice
127 | Michigan | 10/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The CD bin for Mahler's 5th Symphony is usually very large and it can be tough to make a good selection from so many choices. That said, this recording is one that can be chosen with confidence. The brass playing in the first movement is thrilling without being overdone. Phil Smith's opening solo is the best I've heard, Joe Alessi's trombones are rock-solid throughout, and in short I would buy this one for the brass alone.The string sound, especially in the 4th movement, is full and beautiful. Mehta may be criticized for not being the most "romantic" conductor of his day, but I can't find anything wrong with his handling of this piece. The recording quality is excellent throughout, as well. Look no further than this CD for an outstanding Mahler 5th ."
Agree with Amazon.com reviewer
Jason Amsden | Boston, MA United States | 01/03/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I agree that this performance is a well kept secret in the host of Mahler 5 recordings. The brass section does an incredible job in all the movements. The performance does not deserve 5 stars because Zubin Mehta's interpretation lacks some of the intense emotion that I think is necessary in this peice. For example, in the first movement, the trumpet doesen't make as much of the double dotted figure as I would. Also, after the fanfare, I would put more rubato in the string melody."
Definitive
127 | 05/21/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This recording proves once and for all, that this orchestra's brass section is the finest of its kind. One after the other, the principals countless exposed passages are flawlessly executed. (Principal Hornist Philip Meyers does an exceptional job with the scherzo) FF Tutti sections are massive and appropriate, while intonation never seems to suffer. Truly a model recording for the aspiring orchestral brass instrumentalist."
This is the best recording available of this piece.
127 | 10/02/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Zubin Mehta leaves most of the trumpet line interperatations to Phil Smith. If anybody knows how to play the lines of this work, it is Phil Smith. This recording has extremely exaggerated dinamics and tempo fluctuations. I was personally refferred to this recording by the brass players at new york phil. There is no recording currently available that even comes close to competing with the extremely high quality of this recording."
Track Listings (5) - Disc #1