Here is a little review:
I guess I will start at the beginning. The opening of the 1st movement, that A chord, the descending 4ths, is absolutely sublime. It was almost like hearing it for the first time. No tension, just pure sound. I must point out the trumpet fanfares and how much I enjoyed that they were in the distance as Mahler asks. This is often not followed, but this can really make or break it for me. The exposition was lyrical, musical, almost chamber like in it's sonority. Fischer really handles the transition from the exposition to the development very well, very connected. I also like how he doesn't linger on the espessivo markings; he keeps that pulse going. When the 4th movement makes it's sudden appearance in the 3rd section of the development it is really how it should be, earth shattering, it should make you jump. You guys made me jump!
The scherzo is really a peasant dance. Fischer truly gives us that. It seems as if he has the rhythms in his blood. You can hear the foot stomping, hooting and hollering. It's rustic and earthy. I love the muted horns and the character of the winds. The trio sections is very romantic and warm, handled with much care.
The opening round of the 3rd movement is supposed to be dull, shadowy and dark. This is generally not the case. Here we find subtle entrances playing off of the solo base, matching his articulation and tone. This lends a huge amount of cohesiveness that this section can sometime lack. This leads into the 'klezmer' section where I get more of sad/happy feeling than happy/party that is usually offered. Again, in the middle section, we are brought down to almost chamber proportions, the instruments singing very much.
The first 2:45 or so of the last movement are some of the best Mahler I've ever heard in my life. The playing of the strings, 1st and 2nd violins in particular, made my head shake, it's quite violent. I loved it. Your bass drum strike at the beginning makes me want a new sub-woofer. I feel like I could go on, measure by measure, but I won't. This last movement made me sit in silence for 4-5 minutes after the recording was over. I've not done that for 3 years; that was after hearing Alan Gilberts Mahler 3 with the New York Philharmonic.
I downloaded this in 24/192 and must honestly say that this is the best sounding recording I have ever heard.
Also, the Mahler 5th is being recorded this September and will be released next year. Wanted to fix that.
Topic: Ivan Fischer-BFO-Mahler 1 (Read 13050 times)