Jurowski/LPO/LPO M9th - my short review

[John Kim]

Breathtakingly and shockingly vivid realization of Mahler's densest score, single-handedly delivered by London's most virtuosic ensemble working today.

The first movement which is loaded with remarkably (and dizzyingly!) contrapuntal lines even by Mahler's standard weaves through its 26'35" duration starkly yet vividly under the direction of Jurowski. That the trombones and tuba could be stronger at the main climax at 17'28" is not as detrimental as one may worry because what has happened up to the point is so pervasively intense.

The Adagio (IV.), although it moves at a pulse quicker than normal, 22'41", hardly feels rushed thanks to Jurowski's brilliant pacing. The closing pages marked pppp (pianississimo) couldn't be more achingly beautiful and touching.

John

[barryguerrero]

John, I thought this was an almost remarkable Mahler 9. It's by the far the best recorded release from the Jurowski/L.P.O. series of Mahler recordings thus far. It's a very unique 'interpretation' (how the movements are proportioned). Jurowski makes it quite convincing, but the better than usual sonics from the LPO really help. I wish his Mahler 8 had been this well recorded. For once, we hear how good this orchestra can actually be - they weren't defeated by the indifferent acoustics of Royal Festival Hall.

I did a small bit of research, and you can get a CD of this for just over $20 for we U.S. customers, from Europadisc in England. That's including the shipping. The base price is just a tad north of $14.

[John Kim]

Barry

I am glad to know you too like it very much. Yes, the sonics are unusually clear and vivid albeit somewhat too close, typical of the LPO productions. I agree it is a very unique interpretation of the work and some folks may need some time to get used to it.

'almost a remarkable M9th', so in what area(s) do you think it isn't perfect?^

PS I ordered the CD from amazon when it was on presale for $14.99^ It was originally supposed to be delivered on the Jan. 24th. Now, it's moved to March 9! 

John

[barryguerrero]

Oh, I don't know. I'd want to give it another close listen before proclaiming it to be 'fully remarkable'. As David Hurwitz says, everybody puts their best foot forward when they do the 9th. To me, both the Rattle/BR Klassik and Vanska/BIS recordings of M9 were really good as well.

[barryguerrero]

Well I guess I'll answer John's pointed question by informing everyone that I've 'preordered' this release at Amazon for $15 (plus tax). I do have Prime, so the shipping will be free. I listened to the Rondo-Burlesque a second time, and that convinced me to pull the trigger. The start of IV could be just a hair slower for my liking, but I do like the somewhat quicker tempo for the music right after brief bassoon solo (1:30 into IV).

https://www.amazon.com/Vladimir-Jurowski-Conducts-Mahler-Symphony/dp/B0FXSCY8S7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IAGRHSQ5ZLOM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4WVaizLsYMbwVQoTiWE-26ov7Et-20mlwgqF8kpCl-uj-x4f4xJlD12kJkPjyOPvPyjFywnn_fI0A3kzLsXUxcmZ88rAfEm6c_81DYxS6H1je1_Y0faq4nottGh9FqlJ7byottXN-IHoJca_UsV293x4f3DSxJ9la1vECl2FwOaSn-Sq2-cDKHWJcQnU0YWYS0G5OddzRjVtYtapFnfmukSZCN6GhVP33tIngFCxTS0.hxGKxpPOWk11Lmi4UE5gkYNzWzb1AGD1CLpIJxtaT40&dib_tag=se&keywords=mahler+jurowski&qid=1769590248&sprefix=mahler+jurowski%2Caps%2C242&sr=8-1

[John Kim]

Barry

Do you know when amazon will ship the CD?

The release date is 2/6 and yet it says mine will be delivered on 3/9.

This may be a mistake because I too have a prime.

John

[John Kim]

FYI, the recording was selected as the Gramophone Magazine editor's choice for February 2026.

John

[barryguerrero]

Under "Track Package" it just says that they'll e-mail me with an update when they have a better idea of when it could ship. I think 'release dates' don't mean much in terms of hard copies these days. I think it pertains more to downloads, and when something can be heard at a streaming service. However, the Jurowski M9 is already at Spotify, so that shoots that theory. I'm not in a big hurry to have it.