Search - Gustav Mahler, Yoel Levi, Frederica von Stade :: Mahler: Symphony No. 4; Songs of a Wayfarer

The Sound is Awesome and....

Trevor Gillespie | San Jose, California United States | 10/14/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD the week that it was released. It is my first Mahler 4th Symphony that I bought, and I must say first, the work is a masterpiece, and second this recording is magnificent. The sound is glorious. I love listening to the strings that have such a warm sound. The bass is full and well balanced. Bravo Telarc and Bravo Maestro Levi, and Bravo Ms. von Stade"

Unforgettable Mahler!

Daniel R. Greenfield | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States | 08/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first Mahler that I ever heard was the Szell/Cleveland Orchestra 4th with Judith Raskin on Columbia back in the mid-60's. Though I have not heard that recording in more than 30 years, I've never forgotton the magical, lyrical sound that Szell produced on that LP. But Levi's recording of the 4th is equal to or greater that Szell's version. Levi's recording is almost flawless. I also liked the inclusion of the Wayfarer songs at the end. They are thematically connected with this symphony, and share the same youthful perspective. If you can buy only one recording of Mahler's 4th, let it be this one."

Just Right.

D. Seymour | Atlanta, GA USA | 03/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great example of a Mahler symphony for those who don't like Mahler. It is brisk, bright and absolutely beautiful. This is a great fall/winter chill-in-the-air-type piece. The scope is scenic and sweeping rather like Sibelius but is given over to an intimate orchestration as deftly masterful as Strauss. If Eine Alpensinfonie describes the physical determination and deserved accomplishment of climbing a formidible mountain, then surely Mahler's fourth could be music for taking the ski-lift. The object is not conquering the majesty of nature, but just to relax and observe its innate beauty. The tunes are grand and escalate with such joy that it is easy to forget you are not listening to a tone poem. Frederica Von Stade lends her flawless voice to both the symphony and the similarly timbred companion piece, Songs of a Wayfarer. She is icing on an already well-frosted cake. The sound quality of this recording is terrific and the blend with Frederica is impeccable. This is a rare recording of great beauty guaranteed to lift your spirits."