Search - . :: Mahler: Symphony No. 5

A classic Mahler 5

L. Johan Modée | Earth | 05/25/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This bargain CD incarnates a classic recording: Václav Neumann, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, 1967 - Gustav Mahler, Symphony no. 5.



Václav Neumann recorded Mahler's fifth symphony twice (as he also did with the seventh, sixth, and ninth symphonies ). The present edition from Brilliant Classics is yet another incarnation of his 1967 recording, with the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig (the same performance is also available from Berlin Classics, in their "Basics" series (see Sym 5). Now Neumann recorded the fifth a second time in 1977, for Supraphon. While that performance also has its merits, it is no match for the present outstanding recording.



First, Neumann's interpretation is of higher voltage in this earlier Leipzig recording. This is especially evident in the adagietto, a beautiful, intense, and flowing performance, which stops at 9.40. But, of course, the other movements are also stunning. Second, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig 1967 is superior to Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in their 1977 incarnation. Third, this recording is technically superior, with its spacious and warm analogue sound, in contrast to the sterile sound Supraphon produced in 1977.



I want to rank the 1967 Neumann among the finest Mahler fifths on record. I think it needs to be rediscovered - as also is the case with his other early Mahler recordings (the seventh and ninth in particular, which are both outstanding).



Strongly recommended!



(NB: the trumpet is NOT out of tune/playing the wrong key, as another reviewer here claims. It is just a case of a less than perfect instrument, typical for the orchestras behind the Iron Curtain during the time of this recording.)"

Superb

Javier Vallebueno | Monterrey, Nuevo León Mexico | 05/23/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Vaclav Neumann's conducting of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, in the times of the Iron Curtain, is a superb swift and intense reading that makes a huge contrast with the heavy conducting of Bernstein's (DG), being both approaches valid and enjoyable in their own way. The analogue sound is warm and very well balanced. This recording was first issued by the label Berlin Classics.



This is a top pick for this symphony for Christophe Huss, top reviewer in Classics Today France that simply says that it is "phenomenal" (http://www.classicstodayfrance.com/features/0401-mahler.asp).



If it is your first time with this symphony, this is clearly your best option and it is a quite valuable addition to your collection, even if you have another eleven recordings of this wonderful masterpiece.

"

One of the highest peaks in M5 recordings.

Carlos Quintero | Caracas, Venezuela | 05/11/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"


This is with no doubt one of the true crown's jewels in M5 performances

history. Vaclav Neumann was a great mahlerian and his Gewandhaus concerts

on this composer were authentic revelations. Regarding this Neumann's M5,

i dont care about silly comments on trumpet`s sound and keys and i would

better pay attention to many other things to enjoy in this swift, sharply

focused performance. The opening funeral march may lack a bit of atmosphere

and density, but the turbulent second movement finds the Gewandhaus playing

with surprising and compelling ferocity. The scherzo is excellently paced,

the Adagietto, is perfectly judged and balanced, with a beautiful sound from

the strings. The finale is wonderful and moving, with awesome and powerful orchestral tutti and an unforgettable coda. With no doubt this recording

is among the very best of this symphony and an absolute recommendation.



"