Bernstein/Orch. de Paris M7th (1981)

[John Kim]

What the hell was he doing in Paris? OMG, Lenny conducted Mahler 7th in Paris! 😅

Who knew the French orchestra could play Mahler this well, this idiomatically with complete ease and elan? 😀 

Interpretively, it may well be the BEST of all Bernstein's M7ths. Lenny is as driven and fired up as ever but he is more flexible and supple than usual giving the piece more nuance and subtlety (which weren't necessarily Lenny's fortes^). Sound is pretty decent stereo.

This is a GREAT Mahler Seventh!

You can download the file here:

https://www.mediafire.com/file/l3a8r0i5ldaxxcf/M7LBPAR.zip/file

John

[shawn]

Many thanks for this link!  This is a very tough recording to find.

I don't know... its a very solid M7, but I don't think its much better than 1965 or 1985. The sonics are pretty good, certainly easier on the ear than Bernstein in 1985.

I used to be firmly devoted to Bernstein's Mahler Sevenths. Lately I found myself drawn more towards Kubelik (Audite) and the various Haitinks. Some time ago I discovered the Van Beinum, and believe it or not, I find it to be the best M7! The sound isn't perfect, far from it, but it's certainly listenable. But that's me, I like historic recordings, the orchestras of yesteryear are often much more unique than is the case today, or at least that's how I feel. Even the Concertgebouw of today has a much more international sound...

[barryguerrero]

John, just to answer your first question - which I'm guessing you weren't being serious about - Bernstein recorded a number of French items in Paris. Nearly all of them were really good. He did Symphonie Fantastique; an all Darius Milhaud disc (including "La Creation du Monde" and "Le Boeuf sur la Toit"); Franck: Symphonie in D-minor; Roussell: Sym. #3, as well as the 'usual suspects' from Maurice Ravel. The Milhaud disc is excellent. I wish he had re-recorded the Saint-Saens "Organ" Symphony in Paris.

[barryguerrero]

My favorite of all M7 recordings is the Vaenska/Minnesota one. Not only is Vaenska good at underscoring the 'darkness to light' aspect of the symphony (by way of doing the first two movements on the slower side, and the last two movements on the faster side), but I really, REALLY like that towards the end of the finale, Vaenska brings back the minor keyed first movement theme at a slightly slower tempo, not faster. That makes a whole lot more sense to me than speeding up at that point  .   .   .    .  .  If you guys want a specific reference point, I can give a measure number from the score, or I can give you a timing from any recording of your choice    .  .   .  .   But yes, the Minnesota Orch. does sound a bit 'internationalized' and generic, I suppose. That part doesn't worry me so much, as I consider M7 a thoroughly 'modern' work.

[John Kim]

Yes, I am aware he recorded in France several time. I am familiar with his Berlioz Fantastique with Orchestra de Paris and it's one of my favorite versions of the work.

John