Has the Bychkov/CPO Mahler cycle stagnated?

[John Kim]

After the releases of M1,2,4, and 5, I don't hear any more announcement of their supposedly ongoing Mahler cycle. Instead, Pentatone just released Smetana <Ma Vlast> and I read a report that they will launch a new Dvorak cycle with Bychkov/CPO later this year. So, what's going on?

John

[barryguerrero]

Indeed. What is going on (?). Some claim that their recent M5 recording with the other guy in Montreal, actually IS a beginning of a whole new cycle (Payare). Perhaps Pentatone wants to issue a few more of those first, before continuing with the Bychkov cycle. A case of striking while 'the iron is still hot, so to speak. I assume that they must have several more Bychkov Mahlers 'in the can' at this time, no?  .    .   .   .  I would like to have his M6 in Scherzo/Andante order.

Pentatone started a new regime in San Francisco, and perhaps those people are calling the shots at this time. They're located in the new S.F. Conservatory of Music building, right across the street from Davies Symphony Hall. They're advertising for an almost full-time position for someone to interface with their Dutch office - something like that. It might be a case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing. When it comes to record labels, NOTHING surprises me. I've pretty much seen it all.

I will try to formulate a polite letter to Pentatone's S.F. office, and see if I get ANY response. In many, many cases, these record companies simply ignore potential customer inquiries. The people involved don't know what the heck is going on either. One thing really good about Robert van Bahr (BIS), he gets back to you. Same for the guy who runs Ondine. Speaking of which   .    .    .   

Don't spread this around publicly, but van Bahr told me that the Vanksa/M.O. M3 should come out in May. I'm looking forward to that. 

[erikwilson7]

That Payare M5 is fantastic. Frankly, if Pentatone wants to capitalize on that success I'd be happy to hear more from that team before getting back to Bychkov/CPO.

And if not, of course I'll be looking forward to more Bychkov -- especially if there's some Dvořák in the works.

[barryguerrero]

Like John, I don't feel the world needs yet another Czech Phil. "Ma Vlast", but who's to say. Maybe Bychkov really wanted to conduct it. I wouldn't mind more Payere Mahler either. However, I would like to get my hands on his upcoming Mahler 6. When you come down to it, the world doesn't need any of this stuff.

Regardless, I sent off a message to Pentatone, urging them not to give up on the Bychkov cycle (I can't imagine that they would, but far stranger things have happened in the music industry). If you feel the desire to amplify my message to them, use info@pentatonemusic.com

Barry

[John Kim]

Thanks, Barry!^

I am very anxious to have the rest of the Bychkov/CPO Mahler cycle. I've heard their live archives of M6th and 9th and they were just great. I'll pobably write to pentatone too.

John

[barryguerrero]

I received a reply from Pentatone's Kasper van Kooten. He said that the Czech Phil. wants to dedicate 2024 to Czech music, and they will definitely resume the Bychkov Mahler cycle in 2025. I find that very strange. There already exists billions of recordings of Czech music with the C.P.O. However, the Supraphon ones have all but disappeared. Maybe that's what really bothers them, since they are in proximity of Supraphon. Regardless, why would they have an issue with releasing their already 'in the can' Mahler recordings within the same year as the Czech stuff?   .   .    .   .  I'm guessing there's probably another factor that Mr. van Kooten is keeping close to his vest. If I had to venture a guess, I'll bet he wants get the Payare Mahler cycle - if it is one! - established in 2024. Regardless, the result is the same. We will see futher Bychkov/C.P.O. Mahler in 2025.

Record labels are so strange. It's often times a matter of money and sponsorship, and they NEVER share any of that info. They act like what they're doing is a matter of national security.

[John Kim]

Barry,

Thanks for the posting.

Indeed, why would they not resume the Bychkov Mahler cycle until 2025 because they already have archives of M6, M7, even M3 in their cans?? It simply doesn't make sense.

John