Search - Mahler, Pesek, Litton :: Symphonies 1 & 9

Don't sneer at these performances simply because the orchestras and conductors may not be the biggest names. They are both exceptionally fine. Litton's Mahler Symphony No. 1 is a fresh, impetuous performance in the grand Romantic tradition, played with tremendous gusto. Pesek's Ninth is one of the very best around. Not only does the orchestra play like their lives depended on it, the interpretation has numerous imaginative touches--particularly the rapt treatment of the third movement's quiet central section, with its foreshadowing of the melody of the great final Adagio. And best of all, both performances are captured in splendid sound. At budget price, this is a steal and a half. -- David Hurwitz