Search - Gustav Mahler, Leif Segerstam, Danish Radio Symphony :: Mahler: Symphony 6 in A Minor / Todtenfeier

Very Original Interpretation

12/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mr Segerstam is one of the most original conductors of our time.
Real musicians (not amateurs) have mentioned his unique attention to detail,and his anti-routine interpretations.
Sorry but ,where someone founds affectation I found originality, a characteristic that many conductors with "big names" lacks in the present, as they do the same chlone-like versions always.
Mahler also was accused (in his obituary!) of "afectation" and of making tempo changes ,atacking the tradition and good taste.
Excuse my english."

Good productions cannot save mediocre performance

Jonathan Stern | New York, New York USA | 11/09/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Segerstram is less recklessly indulgent and affectatious here than elsewhere (1,7, and 9 are far worse in this respect). His performance is very straightforward except for the Andante, where, with mixed results, he attempts to capture the aching quality lacking in too many other accounts (particularly such dry readings as the Szell and Solti). The Scherzo is marred by mixed-up percussion in the opening bar, but at times sounds properly demonic. However, the DNRSO is simply not a great Mahler orchestra despite some fine individual brass players, the pale and weak strings being the main culprit. The intense sonics seem to prop up the orchestra rather than enhance it. In sum: ordinary though occasionally striking conducting, luxurious sonics, unimpressive orchestra. The best of the Sixths remain Barbirolli and Levine.Todtenfeier is nothing but a rough draft for the first movement of the Second. You really don't need it anymore than you need Nagano's recent run-through of the original Das Klagende Lied. Simply put, Mahler's final thoughts were best. Whatever he chose not to be heard, we should ignore."

Thrilling

Carlos Quintero | Caracas, Venezuela | 12/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"


This is a truly great and exciting recording. It captures our

attention during the whole performance. It is brilliantly judged

in tempi, harmonies and details... marvelous percussion. This is

an absolute recommendation."