Mahler: Symphony No. 6 (2009)

In terms of sound quality, this recording of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 6 in A minor, "Tragic," by John Barbirolli and the New Philharmonia Orchestra is quite vivid and clear for a taped live performance from 1967. But the good reproduction competes against a generally slow and heavy interpretation, and potential buyers may find this recording problematic, depending on their needs. Collectors of historic recordings and fans of Barbirolli's style will be thrilled to have such a terrific document of his work. However, fans ... Read More

In terms of sound quality, this recording of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 6 in A minor, "Tragic," by John Barbirolli and the New Philharmonia Orchestra is quite vivid and clear for a taped live performance from 1967. But the good reproduction competes against a generally slow and heavy interpretation, and potential buyers may find this recording problematic, depending on their needs. Collectors of historic recordings and fans of Barbirolli's style will be thrilled to have such a terrific document of his work. However, fans of Mahler's music may find the energy levels a little low in this performance, at times drained to the point of lethargy. Most of the trouble comes in the first movement, which has a hard time taking off due to Barbirolli's unnecessarily slow initial tempo. It's supposed to be taken Allegro energico, but it might as well be marked Allegretto pesante, considering how Barbirolli turns the ruthless march into a trudging slog that does nothing to propel the symphony forward. Remarkably,... Read Less

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2009, Testament UPC: 749677145125 CD See All