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Mahler: Symphony No. 1 - Zinman

Mahler: Symphony No. 1 - Zinman

RCA  82876871562, BVCC-37471

Stereo/Multichannel Hybrid

Classical - Orchestral


Mahler: Symphony No. 1 in D major "Titan", Blumine

Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich
David Zinman (conductor)

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Review by John Broggio - November 8, 2008

After listening to many versions of this symphony in recent days, this is the version that found least appeal to these ears; the only reason it continues to have a place in my collection is due to the inclusion of the Blumine movement and it is the only reason that most could have to purchase this account above competing accounts, especially Mahler: Symphony No. 1 - Jansons (which is probably the best all-round recommendation on SACD for those that must have modern, high-resolution [multi-channel] sound even though it is not first choice musically in comparison to famous readings on RBCD). Zinman is partly to blame in that he downplays the extremes of the music to such an extent that the mood becomes routine and bland. The orchestral response supports his view and so further suppresses the emotional moods that the symphony can traverse.

Worse still though is the collusion between Zinman and the engineering team where whole sections of the orchestra are audibly faded up and down. Abbado can do this to an extent in the concert hall with a first-rate orchestra (has he conducted anything other than these for the last 20 years?) but nowhere near this amount of exaggerated balance changes and quite frankly, this just shouldn't have been sanctioned. Even Karajan at his most interventionist would have been ashamed.

Only for those who must have all of Mahler on SACD (though I note one might choose Mahler: Symphony No. 1 - Förster instead).

Copyright © 2008 John Broggio and HRAudio.net

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