Mahler: Symphony No. 9
Leonard Bernstein , Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Composed by: Gustav Mahler
1979
Deutsche Grammophon
This 1979 live recording, the only collaboration between Bernstein and the Berlin Philharmonic, is a standout in Bernstein’s celebrated Mahler catalogue. Bernstein generally lays it on thick in his conducting work, making his presence as an interpreter continually felt, and in many cases it’s too much. But in this Mahler symphony, by turns tender, bitter, anguished and ever-morbid, it works. Bernstein’s performance sounds as if it is perpetually about to fly apart under its own intensity, while other performances — like Karajan’s 5 years later with the same orchestra — are merely glossy and well-sculpted. Bernstein’s fourth movement, in particular, reaches levels of tension that one can scarcely believe possible.
Who also suggested
- James Diaz, Yarn/Wire
- Hiroshi Wakasugi, Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra
- The Crossing, Donald Nally
- Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Manfred Honeck
-
Prokofiev: Symphony No. 1, Op. 25; Britten, Simple Symphony Op. 4; Bizet, Symphony in C Major, WD 33
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra -
Brahms: 7 Fantasies, Op. 116, 4 Klavierstücke, Op. 119 & Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 2
Emanuel Ax - Ensemble Dal Niente, Deerhoof, Marcos Balter
- Mahler Chamber Orchestra, George Benjamin
- Jaap van Zweden, New York Philharmonic
- Ars Nova Copenhagen, Paul Hillier, Theatre of Voices