Search - Gustav Mahler, Philharmonia Orchestra, Giuseppe Sinopoli :: Mahler: Sinopoli - The Complete Recordings

Transcendent momentum

D. Mills | 04/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm often amused by the fatuous pretentions of university wits and would-be conservatory aesthetes who see fit to weigh empty claims over one of the more controversial conductors in recent memory. Sinopoli is a titanic presence on these recordings, which hold one's attention rapt over the full 17+ hours of these shimmering, bold, and brilliant interpretations. His legacy is replete with unique achievements, and this Mahler set ranks among the best. Few in the throes of armchair fetishism realize that this resurgimiento of Mahler commenced forty years ago, largely thanks to Lenny and the NYP. Yes, not every conductor embraces all ten symphonies of Mahler, but not every conductor has the formidable quality of a sustained attention span.While the 7th, 8th, 9th, and Das Lied Von der Erde are definitive, I would have to call attention to the meticulous and exquisite reading of the 3rd, especially the closing Langsam section, which stands up easily to Zander and Bernstein. The excerpted, unfinished 10th is similarly exalted, and the 2nd is overwhelming, superior even to Kaplan. The Kubelik import box is an equally forceful document--I can't comment on the domestic release issue as my copy of Sinopoli, like the Kubelik, was made in Germany."

The 8th is Stupendous

Good Stuff | 02/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm afraid I can only discuss Sinopoli's recording of the 8th. It is the only one from this cycle I own.However, it is fabulous. Yes, I've heard (and own) the Solti, the first Bernstein, the Haitink, the Abbado, and others.This is the best. On every single level. Superior sonics. Superior soloists (especially the vastly underrated soprano Angela Maria Blasi and the absolutely fearless tenor Keith Lewis).The fabled Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus cover themselves with glory, as usual.Are the other recordings in this set on equal par? I have no idea. As with any project as enormous as this, there are sure to be highs and lows.However, this 8th is so head-and-shoulders above the rest I'm very tempted to plunk down the big bucks and find out."

All Over the Mahler Map

D. Mills | Silly Valley, CA | 12/15/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Giuseppe Sinopoli, conductor/composer, meet Gustav Mahler composer/conductor. This encounter is often interesting, sometimes pallid, and other times almost infuriating. Such were Sinopoli's and Mahler's output, so it's par for this symphonic course. Four stars for guts, perhaps three or three and a half for the execution.



For my money, the Eighth is the glory of this set. It may be the most exalted modern recording of this work. It wraps up so much: propulsive interpretation, exquisite vocals, and excellent sonics. It is curious then, how Sinopoli's handling of Mahler's other choral masterpiece, the Second, is almost completely undistinguished. It's there. It begins and it ends, but little sticks in the mind or heart. So far, win one, lose one.



Others stand out in various ways: the Fifth is characterized by shimmering, almost metallic tone painting. The first of Sinopoli's Mahler recordings, it impressed, and sometimes stunned, most listeners with its palette. Countering this was a somewhat meadering finale in which Sinopoli wallowed about. Still, very good. He also scored points in the Seventh, a problematic work in which the conductor infuses an almost dreamlike quality. This 20th century quality worked to less effect in the 9th, however. Listeners will need an open mind if they are to embrace the overall experience. I've tried, but the interpretation, which downplays the composer's red-blooded farewell, never got under my skin.



Others are mixed bag: the First conveys a superb sense of atmosphere and excitement (but not quite as good as a video performance in which Sinopoli gets the Vienna Philharmonic to play like demons possessed. As of this writing, someone had posted the finale on YouTube. Watch it, and pray the rest becomes available). The Fourth and Sixth have their moments, but are plagued by intermittent tempo bloat, in which Sinopoli succumbs to his occasional temptation to both propel and distend. Approach with caution.



Das Lied von Der Erde has alot to recommend it in terms of transparency and symphonic sensibility. It was not generally released in the US, so its appearance here is welcome.



The individual recordings in this set were recorded over an approximately ten-year span from the mid-80s to the mid-90s. My review encompasses the symphonies (including Das Lied von der Erde)which I heard in their original releases over this time. I see no indication that they have been altered or remastered for this set, but generally the sonics are pleasingly vivid.



If you are building your own Mahler cycle for the first time, a box set is probably not the way to go. Bernstein was identified with this composer, and produced two cycles (1960s New York for Sony (then Columbia), and a 1980s traversal for DG in New York and Vienna). Despite his affinities for Mahler's angst-ridden romantic side, the set(s) were not any more consistent than Sinopoli's.



I second the other reviewer's enthusiasm for much of Kubelik's Mahler, which is often overlooked. Bright and propulsive, it was not in universal favor during the 60s/70s, when the classical crowd was bent on experiencing Mahler's suffering and hand-wringing. Listening to it today, I find alot to admire in Kubelik's tighter symphonic focus.



Overall, this set is recommended to those who are studying Sinopoli's output (much of which is worthy), but as a definitive Mahler traversal (if indeed such a thing exists), it should be more carefully considered before purchase."