This performance has been available in audio format for quite
some time. I acquired it as an EMI CD ages ago (CDC 7 49888
2) and have always regarded it extremely highly. Recently, I
see it was included in a boxed set of Tennstedt’s Mahler recordings
which was enthusiastically
greeted by Ralph Moore. Unlike Ralph, I’ve not heard the
conductor’s earlier, 1978 studio version though I was interested
to see that Ralph expressed a preference for that version. That,
I can well imagine, is tidier – I note that it was set down
over three separate and quite widely-spaced sets of sessions,
whereas the version captured here is truly live, with no opportunities
for re-takes or edits. Actually, given Ralph’s comments I think
it was enlightened of EMI to include live and studio versions
of several symphonies in that set.
The present live version documents Tennstedt’s final performance
of this symphony in London and it is, in a word, superb even
if there are a few minor slips along the way that would have
been corrected under studio conditions. I can honestly say,
however, that in terms of errors there’s nothing to mar the
enjoyment of the performance and I doubt very much if Tennstedt
and his hugely committed players would have been able to recreate
quite the same electricity in the studio. Incidentally, it’s
worth recording, I think, just how demonstrably committed are
the members of the LPO not just to the music but also to their
former Music Director. At the end the applause given by the
players to Tennstedt is very warm indeed; it seems to go way
beyond conventional courtesy, indicating genuine respect and
affection.
Typically, Tennstedt digs deep right from the very start of
I. The funeral march is broadly conceived but, for me, the pacing
is ideal. It’s a gripping reading from start to finish, full
of tension, with every detail precisely weighted. In II there
is, again, great intensity. At times the music is scalding but
Tennstedt also relaxes where it’s appropriate.
The reading of the big central scherzo is extrovert, even ebullient
and Tennstedt gives the lyrical passages their full value. The
unnamed principal horn player is excellent – to be honest he
deserved to be credited but neither ICA, nor EMI on the CD release,
does so. Tennstedt dispenses with his baton for the Adagietto
and instead conducts with very expressive hands. It’s a slow
and deeply felt reading and the LPO strings – and the harpist
– are wonderfully eloquent. Those who believe that Tennstedt’s
Mahler is hyper-intense and full of angst should watch
him conduct the finale. I wouldn’t say he’s wreathed in smiles
– that wasn’t his nature – but the conductor, though still intensely
wrapped up in the music, gives every indication of enjoying
himself. Certainly, he leads a virtuoso performance that’s exuberant
and full of energy. As the end approaches the great chorale
shines brilliantly and the conclusion of the symphony is tumultuous
– as is the ovation that follows.
At the end Tennstedt was clearly spent but also delighted both
with his orchestra’s response and with the huge ovation from
the audience. Yet his reaction shows, above all, humility; this
great Mahler interpreter was no showman but, rather, put himself
at the service of the music.
For some reason it appears that the BBC waited three years after
the performance before broadcasting it in December 1991. I may
have seen that broadcast – or a subsequent repeat – because
I’ve seen this performance before but the extra definition of
the DVD pictures is very rewarding The BBC camerawork is excellent
– as is the picture quality and the shrewd and sympathetic approach
of director Kriss Rumanis means that viewers get an excellent
perspective on Tennstedt at work though the photography is never
obtrusive.
As I viewed this DVD I glanced at the booklet and found that,
by sheer coincidence, I was watching on 13 December, in other
words twenty-three years to the day since this performance was
given. Somehow that seemed rather fitting. Klaus Tennstedt was
a great Mahler conductor and this DVD is a splendid visual record
of him directing a blazing performance of the Fifth Symphony.
John Quinn
London Philharmonic Orchestra/Klaus Tennstedt
[76:09] 
