Honeck/Pittsburgh S.O. M3 (Exton)

[barry guerrero]

Once again, I can not reveal the source, but I was greatly privileged in being able to hear the Honeck/Pittsburgh Mahler 3 recording. Wow! - it has visceral impact to spare. The first movement is a 'take no prisoners' affair, but it's not 'mindless' either - the way that so many Solti recordings could be in Mahler. Honeck truly has a game plan. Jumping over to the third movement (the 2nd movement is just fine) the posthorn (offstage trumpet) solo is a tad more expansive than I usually care for (I like it done swiftly). However, Honeck really, REALLY whips up the climax of the orchestral interlude that's located between the two big posthorn solos. After a nice vocal movement (Michelle DeYoung is good, but not great), Honeck turns in a really lively account of the choral "bim-bam", reinforced with a central section that really 'snarls' in the brass, as well as having plenty of the alternating salvos from the suspended cymbal and tam-tam. It's a great "bim-bam" movement. The sixth movement is a bit more expansive than I normally like (about 25 minutes), but both the PSO strings and brass do themselves proud. The climax of the long brass chorale is amazing! My only minor complaint is that the brass sound isn't relaxed enough on the final chord of the symphony. Mahler writes something along the lines of, "not forced, but with a noble and saturated tone". Honeck should have gotten them to back-off the intensity on the final chord, but that's only a minor complaint.

I've yet to hear Honeck's M1 (too expensive and there's no coupling), and thought his M4 was kind of weird and exaggerated - a bit too extreme for a symphony that has more 'neo-classical' or 'neo-romantic' overtones (or both). But what sounded exaggerated in the fourth symphony fits perfectly in the third. It's a truly great Mahler 3.

[hrandall]

Barry,

Any idea of a release date for this Honeck/Pittsburgh M3? I'm eagerly awaiting this CD.

Cheers,
Herb

[barry guerrero]

Herb,

As I recall, it normally takes Allegro at least a month or two after the initial release in Japan. Once Allegro has it, it'll begin showing up at Amazon and the other usual e-tailer suspects. Also, keep an eye on the PSO's own website, as they plan to bring it in too. The PSO store told me that they thought they would have by late July.

Barry

[Ben]

Thanks for this review, Barry.  I had totally forgotten I have a radio capture of a live performance with Honeck and the PSO.  I haven't listened to it completely yet, but I must agree that it is an absolutely arresting performance!  The horns are seriously monsters and they open the symphony with gripping power.  The whole brass section is to be commended.  Well, as is the whole orchestra - they produce quite a great sound.  I don't mind the expansive sixth movement, as I think there are some nice contrasts throughout.  As you said, the brass chorale and climax are superb.  The trombones absolutely belt out their "chain-of-suspensions" at the huge cymbal crash climax (one of my favorite moments in any of Mahler!).  The conclusion to the symphony is grand indeed, and on the live recording, the brass aren't as harsh on the final chord as you pointed out on the recording (they were quite intense on the chords leading up to it, though).  I'm looking forward to being able to sit down and listen all the way through.  I haven't listened to M3 in quite some time.

I'm a big fan of the M1 they recorded and own that SACD.  In general, I'm liking Honeck's way with Mahler.  I haven't heard the M4 yet, though.  I do greatly prefer these releases to most of Jansons' prosaic Mahler, and think they have much more character, especially in the orchestral playing, than MTT's with the SFS.  MTT can sound awfully mannered in a way Honeck doesn't, IMO.  Everything "breathes" and flows naturally.  I haven't heard too many of Zinman's Mahler recordings, but his approach just wasn't for me in what I've listened to (a little lightweight for my tastes I think).  This is just to compare with some fairly recent Mahler recordings.

I'll look forward to picking this SACD up in the future!

Ben

[barry guerrero]

hey Ben, haven't heard from you in a long time! I agree with everything you say here. I do like the Zinman cycle, but some of it is fairly lightweight in the brass. Are you still honkin' away on the bass T-bone? I only play my tuba at Oktoberfest time these days. I've got to work too much and look after my mother as well. Anyway, GREAT HEARING FROM YOU.

"The trombones absolutely belt out their "chain-of-suspensions" at the huge cymbal crash climax (one of my favorite moments in any of Mahler!)."

One of my very favorite moments as well -  a spot where I judge ALL recordings/performances of Mahler 3. I often times think that the trombones should be increased to six at that particular spot (3 on a part).

[Ben]

hey Ben, haven't heard from you in a long time! I agree with everything you say here. I do like the Zinman cycle, but some of it is fairly lightweight in the brass. Are you still honkin' away on the bass T-bone? I only play my tuba at Oktoberfest time these days. I've got to work too much and look after my mother as well. Anyway, GREAT HEARING FROM YOU.

"The trombones absolutely belt out their "chain-of-suspensions" at the huge cymbal crash climax (one of my favorite moments in any of Mahler!)."

One of my very favorite moments as well -  a spot where I judge ALL recordings/performances of Mahler 3. I often times think that the trombones should be increased to six at that particular spot (3 on a part).

Hey Barry,

Yeah, I've kind of been in "lurker" mode for awhile.  I've still been reading, but haven't chimed in too much as of late.  Though, I'm actually a horn player!  But no, I haven't been playing too much lately.  I'm actually the conductor of a university orchestra so I'm at the other end of the orchestra now. 

[Roffe]

Barry,

Any idea of a release date for this Honeck/Pittsburgh M3? I'm eagerly awaiting this CD.

Cheers,
Herb

Herb,

It seems to be available from Amazon, Japan: http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B004W4NR8W/?tag=sacdinfocom-22

for 3,500 JPY (=$44)


Roffe

[James Meckley]

And they have a couple of used ones (already!) for ¥2,800 (about $35.00).

I love the cover!

James

[hrandall]

Barry,

Any idea of a release date for this Honeck/Pittsburgh M3? I'm eagerly awaiting this CD.

Cheers,
Herb

Herb,

It seems to be available from Amazon, Japan: http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B004W4NR8W/?tag=sacdinfocom-22

for 3,500 JPY (=$44)


Roffe

Thanks Roffe! Now for the agonizing decision.... wait for it in the US, or splurge now and order from Japan?

Cheers,
Herb