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John, according to one online source, the 9th was performed just a year ago (June 2024).

https://www.operabase.com/productions/symphony-no-9-188903/de
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Wagner can be toxic and addictive. But I never knew M8th can be too. I've listened to the archive four times already and don't think I'll be tired of it^ This is a great performance by any standard. Sado's tempo is for most part slow, maybe a bit too slow, but he manages to keep the music cogent and still flowing. He holds every part of the orchestra, choirs, and soloists really well too. The much drawn out coda of Part II is the slowest and grandest I've ever heard, but hey, it WORKS! I am eagerly waiting for the upcoming official release of the concert.

John
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Singing is strong throughout. So are the brass and organ. I quite like it. It will make an excellent recording of M8th.

Question: Didn't they perform and record M9th before they did M8th?
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Barry

Thanks for sharing. The second link sounds pretty darn good^ I like Sado's pace in Part I.

John
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Here it is. So far, the performance seems really good. That said, the 'three penitent women' passage in Part 2 is slower than I generally like. However, the sound quality leaves a lot to be desired on this broadcast recording (there's a good deal of dynamic compression). I really like the Doktor Marianus on here - he nails the "blicket auf" solo. He doesn't have a beautiful voice, but my goodness - is he ever expressive (and in a good way)! Obviously the official CD will sound much, much better.

https://oe1.orf.at/player/20250610/797562

Ahhh, here it is in somewhat better sound, but it's also harder to jump around:

https://oe1.orf.at/programm/20250610/797562/Mahlers-Symphonie-der-Tausend
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Hi Folks. John Kim relayed that someone told him there were FIVE hammer-strokes in the new Jonathan Nott/Tokyo S.O. M6 on Exton. Here are some brief snippets from the four movements. Lo and behold, you HEAR one of those additional hammer-strikes in the brief excerpt of the Finale. It's located right at the fortissimo A-major chord near the start of the Finale. Check it out. I really like how this performance is proportioned, so I'll need to hear this on Spotify - if and when it gets on there.

https://www.musicjapanet.com/Music/Product/Jonathan-Nott--Tokyo-Symphony--CD-4526977008543?srsltid=AfmBOornZ1wzrn7jQst2l7CO5LKfVrkSGyT80ZIRsqhjSWTGS0dhT2Jz


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John, I doubt David will review that, as it's available only through streaming. He pretty much only reviews CD's and SACD's.
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Gustav Mahler and Related Discussions / Re: Yutaka Sado, Tonkünstler-Orcheste
« Last post by John Kim on March 21, 2025, 06:42:51 PM »
For me and for now the Bychkov/NYPO M6th beats all other versions. It's an absolute winner!

PS: Now that I've praised Bychkov/NYPO M6th to heaven, I have be afraid that DH will HATE it. hehehe~

John
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>>Did you try Bychkov/NYPO M6th?

John, not yet but I'm beyond the point of M6 saturation and it will have to wait a while.

Jansons/BRSO is also excellent with way better SQ than some of the other BRSO entries, including Harding, a strong performance but rough going sonically. The Jansons/LSO Live has long been one of my favorites and it still impresses with an intense performance, terrific execution, and really good SQ.

And I was really surprised by how much I like Barbirolli/Philharmonia. The 1967 sound holds up very well and the slower tempo in the first movement has always felt right to me (though he omits the repeat). Almost everyone else sounds frenetic instead of powerful by comparison. And the woodwinds are no shrinking violets: they play with both unanimity and power that nothing else matches, though some come close. The oboes really shine.

I like Simone Young/Hamburg very much too. Third hammerstroke in place, very good SQ with genuine depth for a live recording, and a strong narrative line start to finish. Execution is a little ragged in the Scherzo.
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