Mahler: Symphony No. 6
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CD Details
Composer: MahlerConductor: Bernard Haitink
Orchestra: Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Edition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 2008-04-08
Music Label: Cso Resound
Soundtracks:
Music CD 1
- Symphony no 6 in A minor 'Tragic': 1st movement, Allegro non troppo
- Symphony no 6 in A minor 'Tragic': 2nd movement, Scherzo
- Symphony no 6 in A minor 'Tragic': 3rd movement, Andante moderato
- Symphony no 6 in A minor 'Tragic': 4th mvt, Finale - Allegro moderato
Music reviews of Mahler: Symphony No. 6
Music Review: Gorgeously played, but a neutral interpretation
Rating: 3 Stars
This is Bernard Haitink's fourth recording of the Mahler Sixth, and as in the two earlier versions I know, he proves to be the anti-Bernstein. His interpretation is neutral and straightforward, and his greatest strengths are those of balance, care, detail, and sonority. I have always found Szell's Sixth from Cleveland too stiff, so it must be granted that Haitink doesn't put the music in a neck brace, as Szell does. That said, there's more nuance and flexibility in great Mahler performances, not to mention tension and drama, than Haitink finds here.
If you want a relaxed reading in great sound, however, and stupendously executed, this live one from Chicago is nearly ideal. Haitink communicates his mastery best when you hear him in the concert hall, and being present for this concert was no doubt an overwhelming experience. But the volcanic virtuosity of the Chicagoans gets flattned out when reduced to the scale of two loudspeakers in a small living room. One is left concentrating on Haitink's lack of drama.
As for how each movement goes, there's not much to relate. The opening proceeds at a uniform, moderate pace, with little variation when the Alma theme interrupts the grinding march. Haitink isn't tempestuous even when Mahler is. The Scherzo comes next and is almost as plain-faced. There are tempo variations, to be sure, but almost no hint of satire or bite. Haitink is the least editorial of conductors, and this movement is not an occasion for extreme opinions (by contrast, Gergiev's recent live reading with the LSO is a riot of attitudes). The deceptively unassuming Andante holds no deception for Haitink -- his version sings with lyrical contentment throughout, without a suggestion of ghosts in the trees. The finale is quite measured at 34 min. and contributes to the overall 2-CD length. It's large-scaled without being mysterious or evocative of tragedy -- in case you accept the subtitle of the Sixth as Mahler's 'Tragic' symphony -- and yet Haitink isn't routine. To give him his ue, Mahler's textures and moods are so complex that the listener can be drawn in without exaggerated drama.
In all, his new version of the Sixth doesn't change my view of Haitink as a Mahler literalist. I admire his skill and want to hear his interpreatations. But there's a lot to miss here as well as to enjoy.
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