Search - Gustav Mahler, Yoel Levi, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra :: Mahler: Symphony No. 5

My Favorite Mahler 5th Recording

Woodland Poet | 06/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are many recordings of the Mahler 5th symphony. Many are good and I have heard many, some good, some not. This is a very fine performance and will remain my favorite for a very long time to come. The attention to detail is incredible, the performance is flawless, but not with some abandon. Many rhythms and textures come out in this recording that are often lost. The recorded sound is rich and clear. The first time listening to it, many aspects of the symphony became apparent that had so remained hidden in every other version I had heard. The third movement especially held me at attention on the first listening. The counterpoint is amazing, several melodies, but all one to be sure. You get the sense that Levi and the Atlanta Symphony prepared very well for this recording. However, in the end, it is Mahlers genius that is on display throughout this disc and you will want to listen to it again and again."

Fully commited & radiant performance!!!

Scriabinmahler | UK | 02/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
Like his recordings of Mahler 2nd, 4th, 6th & 7th, Levi rendition of 5th Symphony reminds me of the golden era of conducting when music making meant something more than reproduction of notes on music score or just trying to be faithful to composer's markings (the disease of so many of today's Mahler specialists ).



Warm singing quality of Giulini, Stokowski's obsession with details (in a positive sense), limitless passion of Bernstein, and firm grasp of architecture by Horenstein & Karajan; everything is there in this recording.



Overall interpretaion is similar to the Royal Hestival Hall live recording by Tennstedt. The epic-journey type of 5th. Personally I prefer faster version, but Levi's interpretation works as he never indulges in cheap exaggeration while he allows every instrument to express itself to the full.



Only problem is that you need powerful speakers and detached house to exploit Telarc's amazingly realistic sound fully."

BEST MAHLER 5 EVER!!!!

Linda Morley | 04/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I cannot say enough about this recording, Yoel Levi and the brilliant Atlanta Symphony. I have heard so many recording and concerts of this piece, but none have given me the satisfaction of hearing everything I want to hear from this piece. From the perfectly-placed entrance of the trumpet on the first note to the amazing horn solo in the 3rd movement to the enthralling finale, it is unbelievable, the whole way through. I can think of no "rough spots" or parts that could have been played better. It is consistant throughout. I recently saw the Berlin/Rattle dvd of this and while it was close, I still like this better. I would say get both because they do have different sounds but I still give this the slight edge. PLEASE support Atlanta Symphony and buy this. I believe they will be the next big orchestra in the US in a few years so expect to see more of them soon!"