Dudamel/L.A.P.O. M9

[barry guerrero]

F.Y.I.

I think the new Dudamel M9 is terrific. The last movement has an incredible climax to it, while the slower, 'zen like' moments are not only slow in tempo, but also incredible soft and gentle. I'm really impressed. The solo first horn is the best I've head since Barry Tuckwell on Solti's mid '60s L.S.O. 9th. What a pleasant surprise.

[Leo K]

I just bought this today, really looking forward to hearing it.

--Todd

[John Kim]

Sorry but I am not all that hot about Dudamel's M9th.

It is as if his grasp of the music hasn't ripened enough; nothing really is special about the recording. Even the orchestra sounds uninvolved, although they play well technically.

I'd give 7/9 for the performance/sound.

[barry guerrero]

It could use a bigger tam-tam smash at the climax of the first movement. But other than that, it's very much to my liking. I think the last movement is really good. For me, the best one since Karajan (maybe Bertini too). It might be just a tad 'distant' and 'cool' (whatever that means). But then again, so is the piece.  I would rate it 10/8 (maybe 9.5/8)

[Leo K]

Thanks Barry and John for your thoughts. I'm hoping to get to this tonight or tomorrow. I also got Pappano's M6 to hear.

--Todd

[Leo K]

I’ve now heard this recording, and it is impressive on first hearing, but I’m going to need more listens to really see if I like it or not. I am disappointed the third climax in the first movement is not heard very well, it sounds lame.

--Todd