This is a very well put together Mahler 6. Rhythmically taught, strong when it needs to be, and very subtle at other times. I've always felt that most recordings of this work are very nostalgic, our hero seems to be looking back on battle past. This recording is very in the moment, and forward looking; even the adagio, which is placed as the 3rd movement.
The 1st movements moves along at a good pace, you could actually march to it. It is strong with out being heavy, and very direct, but not with out tons of subtle tempo changes. He makes each iteration of the march theme slightly different in tone and color, he does the same with the 'Alma theme' and its variations. This is something I really like. Inbal does not stop to smell the roses, just keeps pushing forward to the goal.
Inbal gives, to my ears, a very different Scherzo. He doesn't use tempo to differentiate it from the first movement. He uses tone, color and texture to give a different sound to this movement. It's very plucky, and raw. Playful and slightly terrifying at times.
This Adagio does not look back, but forward. It flows very nicely, with connected lines and sensitive, dynamic playing. Inbal really uses this movement to set us up for the finale. It has this feeling that something is coming, and it's going to be a big deal, but let's just relax a moment. He really brings out the lower strings lines, this brings out some slight tension underneath the surface. Also, the cowbells are really good, not quite Zinman level though. I really like their cowbells.
The Finale of Mahler 6 has always come across as a very apocalyptic/end of the world type feeling. Fate crashing down, the eerie muted marches, and of course, the hammer blows. Something more positive is found in this recording, it shows that there is light in the cracks between the darkness. Inbal is very successful in the large moments, his horns, trumpets, trombone and tuba really let it go when called for. The percussion are captured beautifully and with realistic impact. It's the smaller moments, though, that are really amazing to my ears. Such subtle playing, and listening by the orchestra. Every line is long and connected. Every staccato is seperated, and seemingly every little dynamic mark is followed. It's quite something, honestly.
Positive and Mahler 6 are not words I'd have thought would go together so well. In Inbals hands it works very well. It's nice to have some light at the end of the tunnel, this comes across with stunning clarity. The TMSO are a special orchestra. I generally don't hear orchestras play this well together. It's like they are actually listening to what each other is doing. I would give this recording a hearty recommendation.
