Search - Gustav Mahler, Richard [1] Strauss, Karel Ancerl :: Ancerl Gold Edition 6: Mahler Symphony no. 1/ Strauss - Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks

Outstanding interpretations

L. Johan Modée | Earth | 09/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Karel Ancerl was one of the great conductors of the 20th century. His legacy includes superb recordings of Janácek's, Dvorák's, Martinu's, Stravinsky's most famous works, usually in extraordinary fine recordings with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra at its very peak.



This recording is no exception. Actually, I hold it to be one of the finest recordings of Mahler's first symphony, together with the seminal recordings we have from Kubelik (DG and Audite), Walter (Walter), and Borsamsky (Lys).



The youthful character of the symphony is superbly caught. That is, the interpretation is lively, inspired and the orchestra plays with a tremendous energy, skill and concentration.



Sound is good too due to F. Burda's excellent engineering, capturing the spacious acoustics of the Dvorák Hall of Rudolfinum in Prague. The remastering highlights his craftsmanship, so it is a real pleasure listening to this recording.



Throw in a spirited account of R. Strauss' Till Eulenspiegel as a fine fill-up, and you'll have one of the self-evident choices for your music library.



Strongly recommended!"