Kaplan's new Mahler 2 chamber arrangement

[umbernisitani]

Avie is releasing Gilbert Kaplan's 3rd recording of Mahler 2nd, this time a chamber orchestra arrangement consisting of 56 musicians.
http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/Avie/AV2290
In my opinion, while this arrangement would probably make the work even more accessible and popular for the performers, reducing a work of such enormous proportions to something a sinfonietta or chamber orchestra will mean that some of Mahler's grandiose vision will inevitably have to be sacrificed.  But what do I know; I haven't even heard it.
Thoughts?

[waderice]

My reaction is what would Mahler himself think about the reduced scoring arrangement?

Wade

P.S. - Early critical reviews and cost will determine whether or not I'll buy it.

[barry guerrero]

Exactly. It depends on just how good a job somebody did in making the actual orchestration of the reduction.

That said, I recently went to an M2 performance at Stanford University's new Bing Concert Hall that was very much an, 'in your face' type performance. The hall has a big stage and relatively small audience capacity. Not once did it cross my mind that the symphony could have sounded better with a reduction in forces. In fact, my thought was, "Mahler would love this".

[Leo K]

I think this arrangement for smaller orchestra is a waste of time. But then again, I don't have the resources Kaplan has to play with the music as he wishes. That said, his recordings of the M2 are favorites of mine.

--Todd

[umbernisitani]

I enjoyed Kaplan's Vienna 2nd.  But rather than make the 3rd recording, wouldn't it be better for Kaplan to record the other symphonies?  I'd like to hear his take on the 5th (since he recorded the adagietto).

[James Meckley]

...wouldn't it be better for Kaplan to record the other symphonies?

Since having an epiphany during a 1965 Stokowski performance of Mahler 2, Mr. Kaplan has been obsessed with the work. He even owns the original manuscript. He's researched its performance traditions and studied podium technique with some of the great conductors of our time, all for the purpose of conducting this one symphony. It's the only complete work he's ever recorded—quite possibly the only complete work he could record. He's a one-trick pony—the ultimate specialist-conductor.

James

[Constantin]

He's a one-trick pony—the ultimate specialist-conductor.


And to understand, appreciate, and most of all to love such a masterwork as M2, is in my humble opinion, right up there with the highest acclaim to which any mortal can aspire.

[techniquest]

Does anyone know what the reduced instrumentation consists of? For example, is there a choir? Has the organ been kicked out? Has the off-stage been cut? Or is it all the same instruments, but fewer of them?

[James Meckley]

Does anyone know what the reduced instrumentation consists of? For example, is there a choir? Has the organ been kicked out? Has the off-stage been cut? Or is it all the same instruments, but fewer of them?

Choir, soloists, and organ remain. Reduced instrumentation in the manner of the scaled-down versions of M4 and DLvdE done for/by Arnold Schoenberg. Full details here:

http://www.universaledition.com/2-Symphonie-for-soli-mixed-choir-small-orchestra-reduzierte-Fassung-Kaplan-Mathes-Gilbert-Kaplan/composers-and-works/composer/3876/work/13881

James

[umbernisitani]

It's hilarious to note that Kaplan had to reduce Mahler's huge army of 10 horns to a mere 3.  They could play Beethoven's Eroica immediately after the M2 concert with this kind of forces.  (I'm just saying--not that it's musical or wise to do so.)

[barry guerrero]

"had to reduce Mahler's huge army of 10 horns to a mere 3"

Where'd you find that out?!?  Can you tell us more about the instrumentation. Thanks.

[James Meckley]

Where'd you find that out?!?  Can you tell us more about the instrumentation. Thanks.

Check this link, which I posted earlier:

http://www.universaledition.com/2-Symphonie-for-soli-mixed-choir-small-orchestra-reduzierte-Fassung-Kaplan-Mathes-Gilbert-Kaplan/composers-and-works/composer/3876/work/13881

James

[techniquest]

Thanks for that link, James. It's interesting to see the instrumentation. It annoys me however that they use the generic term 'percussion' as if the actual instruments don't really matter: I want to know if we still have 2 tam-tams and bells 

[waderice]

Thanks for that link, James. It's interesting to see the instrumentation. It annoys me however that they use the generic term 'percussion' as if the actual instruments don't really matter: I want to know if we still have 2 tam-tams and bells 

Well, we'll just have to buy the CD, listen to it carefully, and report back here with all the nits to pick.

Wade

[techniquest]

Indeed we will, Wade. Indeed we will