As I read Tony Duggan's masterly survey
of this work , I was not surprised by the lengthy discussion of this
seminal recording in the Mahler canon. There is a certain poignancy and grandeur
in this last Horenstein recording that places it amongst the various legendary
'Das Lieds', Walter and Klemperer are to my mind top of the list alongside
this one. Of course, Alfreda Hodgson cannot come near the exquisite beauty
of Kathlen Ferrier's unique singing but she is deeply committed throughout
as is the reliable and sturdy John Mitchison. The recording has resurfaced
before in various pirate editions and it is thankful that the BBC have finally
given it its due in this sumptuous Legends issue. It is indeed quite baffling
to understand why we have had to wait almost thirty years to hear Horenstein's
vision, but now all is happily resolved. The great conductor galvanizes his
BBC North players with a special intensity; the lavish rehearsal time was
indeed well spent. The first five movements contain much that is beautiful
and intense but for me, it is that magnificent 'Der Abscheid' where the
consummation of Mahler's art is truly inspired. A basic slow tempo is maintained
throughout the whole performance and that adds to the monumental grandeur
of this recording, which almost moves with a ponderous air to the realms
of artistic bliss. Horenstein's painstaking work with the strings is evident
with some beautifully rich tone and the recording is vivid and deeply impressive
throughout. A short interview is added as an appendix and this sheds more
light on Horenstein's fascination with Mahler. A richly rewarding experience,
this Das Lied is an indispensable addition to the 'completist' Mahler discography
and continues to confirm Horenstein's status as one of the great Mahlerians
of the 20th century.
Reviewer
Gerald Fenech
Performance:
Sound:
See also Tony Duggan's detailed comparative review of the two BBC
releases last month and
Marc Bridle's different view
See also Tony Duggans complete
survey of recordings of Das Lied
Alfreda Hodgson,
John Mitchinson. BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra Jascha Horenstein
