Search - Mahler, Glinka, London Philharmonic :: Tennstedt, Klaus: Mahler: Symphony No.1,

The worst Mahler Symphony No.1 by Tennstedt

Wei Hsien Li | United States | 12/09/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"The unforgettable performance from the 1990 live with Chicago Symphony Orchestra Mahler Symphonies 1 & 8 (Symphony of a Thousand) / Klaus Tennstedt, Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the main reason that I have a high hope about this recording.



As for interpretation, this 1990 live with London Philharmonic Orchestra do share something with the CSO one. The speed is slow (especially outer movements.) Beyond that, it is a total disappointment.



The recording quality is pathetic, even worse than the 1977 live published by MEMORIESMahler: Symphonies 1 & 2; Klaus Tennstedt

I have a hard time to believe BBC Legend ever consider to issue this recording given that they also published 1985 live with LPO Mahler: Songs of a Wayfarer; Symphony No. 1 which is a fine recording.



The listener will have a difficulty to locate the microphone, it really sounds like a private recording or a damaged tape. The sound often overloaded, which is common in not so good 195x 196x recordings. There are unbearable consistent overboard low frequency, and the brass sounds excessive harsh due to the lousy recording.



Moreover, the performance of the orchestra is worse than LPO could ever be. The orchestra seems to be confused by the overall slow tempo, and easily gives up. There are more glitches than an acceptable live recording. The music line is often broken by poor playing. Compare to what CSO can do, LPO is a total failure here. It is really annoying especially when you know that Tennstedt had a long history with LPO.



The filler (Glinka's Ruslan and Ludmilla Overture) is ok in both sound and play.



There is also interview in the CD (not a long interview with much information). I found it somewhat ironic.. In the interview, LPO players claimed that they play their hearts out for Klaus. However, in this recording, all I can find is an insult to both players and conductor.. BBC should never let this one issued....



If you're interested in Tennstedt's Mahler Symphony No.1, just stay with the 1977 studio recording and 1990 CSO live as the starting point. 1985 live is worth to listen, but just please ignore this one..........

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