This is an excellent Mahler Seventh in decent stereo sound. Ozawa's overall concept is similar to his Boston Symphony recording. The first movement proceeds at a steady, measured tempo, and Ozawa evokes a wonderful sense of discovery, mystery, and Nocturnal yearnings in the central development section just as he did in Boston. The rest of the performance goes pretty well too especially in the two Nachtmusik movements (II. & IV.). The Rondo Finale (V.) is aptly boisterous and high spirited throughout.
Being executed by BPO it is perhaps a touch less richer and atmospheric than the BSO version (which is among my all time favorite Mahler 7ths), but it is a performance not to be missed especially considering how rare Ozawa's live Mahler archives are.
I really like it!
John