Another new M2 DVD (Surround sound 5.1)

[Leo K]

From: http://www.vaimusic.com/VIDEO/DVD_4432_Mahler2.htm



Not sure the exact date of release, but Amazon says Dec 11.


Mahler: Symphony No. 2 in C minor “Resurrection”
VAI DVD 4432, $ 24.95

Gustav Mahler
Symphony No. 2 in C minor,
“Resurrection”

Susanne Mentzer, mezzo-soprano
Twyla Robinson, soprano

Neeme Järvi conducting
Musicians from the New York Philharmonic
Philadelphia Orchestra • New Jersey Symphony
Detroit Symphony • Metropolitan Opera Orchestra

New York Choral Artists • Riverside Chorale
Joseph Flummerfelt, Chorus Master

Filmed in Riverside Church

Color, Dolby 5.1 Surround /DTS Digital Surround
Shot in High Definition
Running time: 91 minutes

Chapter selection:

1. Introduction: “For the Love of Music”
2. Opening credits
3. I. Allegro maestoso
4. II. Andante moderato
5. III. In ruhig fliessender Bewegung
6. IV. “Urlicht”
7. – 8. V. Im Tempo des Scherzos — Chorus entrance
9. Closing credits

Producer and Director
JASON STARR

Concert Producer
JOSEPH ROBINSON

Audio Director
JERRY BRUCK

Lighting Director
JEROME HOPPE


--Leo

[barry guerrero]

I believe that there's a pretty large organ in Riverside Church. Could be fun.

[mike bosworth]

I was present at this April 2006 M2 performance at the Riverside Church in NYC. 
Here's what I wrote about it at the time:

"The M2 performance, recorded for a future documentary package being
produced by Jason Starr (along the lines of his earlier M3 set), was a
great experience in the special setting of Riverside Church.  Not at all
performed before a full house, it suffered somewhat from probably less
than ideal acoustics (bassy, favoring winds/horns) and perhaps a lack of
rehearsal time together for the volunteer musicians.  I also found Jarvi's tempo
choices to be a bit too quick in a few passages. 

Nevertheless, the performance had a lot going for it as well.  The off-
stage brass/timpani sounded great high up in the church, somewhere behind
the audience.  The organ was also effective without being overpowering. 
Sadly, the bells at the end were a total flop.  I could see the
percussionist hitting the tubular chimes, but could not hear them.  I
could just envisage Mahler shouting "can't you hit those harder??!" 
Interestingly, the program credits the 'carillon' player; does this not
refer to the church's own bells/chimes?  But we could not hear any
evidence of these ringing either.  Wonder if they will be patched into the
Starr recording?" 

I checked at Amazon and the listing is for one disc only.  Don't
know what happened to Jason Starr's plans for a documentary disc along the
lines of what he did for M3.  One of the 'extras' to be included on the
second disc (IIRC) was to be a performance of the original Klopstock hymn 
in the same Hamburg church that GM heard it performed in.

Mike Bosworth
Hanoi

[barry guerrero]

"I could just envisage Mahler shouting "can't you hit those harder??!"

Striking tubular chimes harder wouldn't produce much of difference in volume. In fact, it would just make the tone quality very brittle sounding.
 
Interestingly, the program credits the 'carillon' player; does this not
refer to the church's own bells/chimes?  But we could not hear any
evidence of these ringing either.  Wonder if they will be patched into the
Starr recording?" 

That would be my guess. Let's hope so.

[Psanquin]

I have just seen this DVD. My expectations were not very high. Jarvi uses to conduct in such a superficial way. But this time he deployed a measured and thoughtful direction. He paces and shapes the work with fine craftmanship. The musicians, a dream team of soloists, are also in charge of the fantastic outcome. Twyla Robinson sung her part beautifully; an impressive voice.

[Polarius T]

I believe that there's a pretty large organ in Riverside Church. Could be fun.

There sure is. It's one of the biggest in the entire world (among top 10 or so).

But not just that; it's magnificent in its sound, too. I used to frequent the place for that reason, with one of the highpoints being all the Messiaen organ works performed by Jon Gillock on it about ten years ago. Now that was fun, too (it was also many other things). But most of you will probably know its sound from Virgil Fox's popular recordings dating from long before its restoration in the mid-'90s.

A gorgeous instrument indeed!

PT

[Jot N. Tittle]

I got this the minute it was released and was satisfied until the soprano began. Through no fault of hers, she is but faintly recorded.

Jerry Bruck strikes again! He did the audio of the Colorado MahlerFest recording of M2 also, and whaddyaknow, when you put on the second disc, the sound level plummets. It must be his supersensitive ears.

     . & '