Search - Gustav Mahler, Pierre Boulez, Violeta Urmana :: Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde [Hybrid SACD]

Boulez and the Song of the Earth

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 12/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Pierre Boulez continues to amaze audiences with his insightful performances of standard works, bringing to life inner voices, balances among the choirs of strings, brass, woodwinds, and a sense of excitement from his making it all sound new.



Such is the case for this recording of Gustav Mahler's 'Das Lied von der Erde' with the superlative Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. He draws some of the most beautiful playing from this ensemble heard on recordings. Electing to use the original thought of Mahler in employing the contralto voice with the tenor voice, Boulez has wisely chosen Violeta Urmana who in 2001 was a true contralto/mezzo, and the brightly ardent tenor Michael Schade. Both singers understand the poetry and can deliver the texts with all of the range of emotions Mahler explored.



Some will find the tempi a bit fast but the playing time is the same as on Bruno Walter's recording, and he was the original conductor and knew Mahler well! The performance is at once rollicking and tender: just wait for Urmana's intoning of the final 'Ewig, ewig..." that slips the work into the ether of farewell. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, December 05"

Gramophone Gives This CD It's Highest Rating

Paul Harding | River Forest, Illinois USA | 03/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Gramophone rating key for its category, states "Simply the Best. An unrivaled version, a cornerstone of the catalog. A real gem."



According to Gramophone "A real ensemble effort whose guiding light is Boulez. With the help of DG's sound, textures, glint with unprecedented clarity; the very end is possibly the most evocative on record."



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