Search - Gustav Mahler, Bernard Haitink, Berliner Philharmoniker :: Mahler: Symphony No. 6 in A Minor / Songs of a Wayfarer

A Good Sixth, An Amazing Norman

Thomas Hengeveld | Amsterdam, the Netherlands | 05/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very sensitive account of Mahler's Sixth symphony. Compared to the historic recordings of Barbirolli and Karajan it may sound a little mundane, but is is by far the most intelligent, well played and (at the right moments) powerful version of this symphony to have appeared in the last ten years or so.What makes this disc so extraordinary though, is the addition of the Lieder eines Fahrenden Gesellen, performed by Jessye Norman. Haitink and Norman first worked together on Mahler's Wunderhorn-songs in the 1970's with the Concertgebouw Orchestra and went on to record a very interesting Fidelio. The down to earth, modest, sober Haitink and the larger than life, slightly arrogant diva Jessye Norman are a match made in heaven when it comes to Mahler, odd as it may seem.. Except for Fischer-Dieskau's version with Furtwangler, I can't think of a more poignant, harrowing, sad and heart-wrenchingly beautiful account of these quintessentially romantic songs. Together with her recording of Das Lied von der Erde with Colin Davis, this is her most beautiful Mahler-recording."

Without a doubt, the BEST 6th ever.

Thomas Hengeveld | 04/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't believe Mahler meant for the entirety of his 6ths symphony to be as harsh as most conductors wish by any stretch of the imagination. The extremes of say, Bernstein, really push it to the edge of bad taste (and I'm a Bernstein admirer!!). Haitink and the Berlin are hard when they must be, but romantic and all encompassing throughout the duration. Truly the best of all recordings and performances of Mahler's 6th. If you've ever had trouble understanding the enduring quality of this particular symphony--check this recording out."

Exciting Mahler

Thomas Hengeveld | 06/10/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Berlin Philharmonic is said by many to be the best orchestra in the world, but judging by some of their releases a few years ago with Abbado, it would be easy to doubt this claim. While those recordings are good, they just are not at the level of technical excellence one would expect from the best orchestra in the world. However, this recording has some amazing orchestral playing from every section. There are a couple missed trumpet notes, but one hardly cares by the end of the recording. The trumpets save something special for the hammer blows in the fourth movement, they absolutely belt the notes out, perfectly in tune, and the trombones are no less forceful at the same moments. Throughout the symphony the horns are truly incredible, both aggressive and balanced. The Berlin strings, as always play with intensity, and they possess an enormous dynamic range. The interpretation is solid, it's not Bernstein, but certainly generates more feeling than Boulez' recent recording with the Vienna Philharmonic. Philips' recording does an excellent job of demonstrating the massive scale of this work, if at the expense of some detail. This may not be your typical choice in Mahler's sixth, but I would urge you to try it, you won't be disappointed."