Search - Gustav Mahler, Bruno Walter, Kerstin Thorborg :: Walter Conducts Das Lied von der Erde

Among the greatest

01/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although this historic version from Walter and the Vienna Philharmonic does not surpass the "definitive" Klemperer/Wunderlich (a classic on EMI), it has a profusion of musical gifts to offer. True, if you're not acquainted with older mono recordings, the sound can leave you wanting for more. Nevertheless, for such a vintage live performance, after all, it sounds reasonably good. It was sort of an admirable technical deed for its time. As the other reviewer says in some interesting comments, Dutton's remasterings are truly amazing. That's a fact.



Bruno Walter was a "Mahlerist"--long before most other modern conductors, whether they were specializing or not in Mahler. He knew more than many the deep meanings of the works devised by such a fascinating composer. An almost inherent comprehension and some unique skills for the music and the chant of Mahler worked in Walter's advantage, as is reflected through this treasured recording and many others. I still marginally prefer this one to his Ferrier recording on Decca (however great it is). Of course, Ferrier's emotionally inflected singing is of a special breed--even the splendid voice of Maureen Forrester is no match to the former. In any case, singers Thorborg and Kullman are virtually peerless in their own rights, making Mahler's `Das Lied' vitalized all along. They put a breath of life to an admittedly somber work. The orchestra's dark and profound tone, almost autumnal, fits poignantly with the Mahlerian idiom of that unique masterpiece. This is a `Das Lied' you won't forget, i guarantee you. My first encounter with the work was an RCA Victrola LP by Reiner and the Chicago Symphony (also with Forrester), still a favorite of mine.



Thanks to some fine voices--combined with superb orchestral playing and broad emotional power--the very first account by Walter captures a great moment in Mahler's discography (and this despite minor caveats regarding the inevitable trade off in terms of sound, contrast and clarity). The tasteful `Ruckert Lieder' and the Adagietto of Symphony No.5 round off a most amazing journey in the earthly world of Gustav Mahler.

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