Zinman M6 (RCA), so far

[barry guerrero]

hey folks,

I just received my Zinman M6 from HMV Japan - the first time I've indulged in a purchase from Japan in ages. Anyway, I've only listened to the two inner movements so far (andante/scherzo order). The scherzo is bit on the slow side (a few seconds shy of 14 minutes), but all of Mahler's deliberate sound effects are clear and somewhat underlined. As a result, it's rather spiky sounding, in spite of the slower tempi. The andante, on the other hand, is relatively swift (a bit over 14 minutes). However, it's outstanding. The cowbells are real clear at both of their entrances, and the climactic passage really moves along and is full of passion - far less "gossamer" sounding than usual. I find Zinman's slow movement such a relief after so many who have turned the andante into a full-blown adagio.

 I haven't tried the outer two movements yet, but I will.

I saw Zinman conduct M6 with the San Francisco S.O., long before MTT took the post, and I really liked his performance - far more than MTT's later on, I'm afraid to say.

Barry

[Leo K]

Thanks for the report Barry...I look forward to further description of this new M6!  A big important question for me is the sound of the percussion, especially the timpani and tam tam...is the tam tam audible?  I may wait on the Zinman M5 and get this first. 

--Todd

[sperlsco]

Thanks for the report...BUT I WANT MORE!!  How about the other two movements?