B.G.'s Amazon customer review for new "DLvdE" on Naxos

[barry guerrero]

5.0 out of 5 stars
"A great budget price option",  November 18, 2011

by B. Guerrero "Mahler nutcase"
 
This review is from: Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde on Naxos (The Song of the Earth) (Audio CD)


While I agree that there are a number of 'golden oldie' recordings from the past that somewhat out-distance this one, I'm still garnishing five stars for the simple reason that so many recent "Das Lied" recordings have turned out so awful. That, and the fact that this will cost you less than $12 (before tax). Thankfully, Hans Graf is reversing the trend of recording "DLvdE" with a mediocre baritone (I greatly prefer mezzos as long as they don't over-sing in an operatic fashion), or in the completely non-necessary chamber version. And while the perfunctory Naxos sound quality doesn't permit a whole lot of 'bloom' on the sound for the strings, Graf still scrupulously observes Mahler's many and detailed markings pertaining to portementi (sliding on the fingerboard between one note and the next). That may seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference in the more intimate, 'chamber-ish' moments of the work such as in movements II and VI (der Abschied). More importantly, Graf does a superb job in drawing out the color buried within Mahler's relatively intimate canvas. This is important since "Das Lied" can so easily sound like little more than "Die Winterreise" on steroids. Listen to the start of "der Abschied" (IV) under Graf's baton, and you'll quickly realize that this is a whole different world from that of Schubert's. Graf brings out the wash of sound emanating from the big tam-tam (large orchestral gong). Again, that might seem like a minor point, but it really sets the tone for the entire 30 minute duration of the finale.

Yes, it's true that Henschel (mezzo) and Kunde (tenor) are far from being the very best singers ever to have tackled "das Lied". But they're also far, FAR from being the worst. Frankly, I rather enjoyed Henschel's singing, as she made a genuine effort not to over-sing the almost ecstatic passage near the end of the work (Mahler marks piano for the low voice throughout "der Abschied", with the exception of only two crescendo markings). In my opinion, this is the best new recording of "DLvdE" to appear since the Michelle DeYoung/Eji Oui/Minnesota Orchestra one on Reference Recordings (I'm discounting reissues of golden oldies).

But to bring the focus back on to Graf, listen to how he really whips up the tempo and excitement over the passage where the young studs come galloping up to the pagoda on their powerful steeds (movement IV). This is a passage where Boulez, of all people, just fell totally flat on his face. This passage needs to provide great contrast to everything that's happened since the first movement. Graf and Henschel deliver in spades. Now jump to the orchestral funeral procession in Movement IV (der Abschied, again). So many conductors rush this passage, or fail to nail the climax of it in a convincing manner. Graf is absolutely superb throughout this critical passage. Overall, I find this to be a thoroughly satisfying "DLvdE", regardless of its price. It's welcome relief to all those chamber versions and over-the-hill baritones.