Search - Gustav Mahler, Georg Solti, Chicago Symphony Orchestra :: Mahler: Symphony No. 7

Exceptional Mahler 7 rendition!

Timothy Mikolay | Pittsburgh, PA | 12/27/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What I immediately like about this recording is the attention to rhythm and emotion. The opening march-like beat by the strings is well executed and the horn solos that follow are first class. In fact, first class is what this recording is all about. The Chicago Symphony is at the top of its form throughout this performance and the most striking aspect of this disc is the balance of the orchestral voices. The accentuation and attention to dynamics is superb. The mandolin solos are clear and enjoyable and the harp is lustrous and atmospheric. The third movement is one of the best on record. There is so much to say that I feel saying anything more would give it away. I will say this. The finale of the final movement (and of the symphony of course) is an achievement of spectacular proportions. Joyous, exciting, and spiritually uplifting, this is the shining moment of this rendition!



This was my second experience with this work (my first was DG's flat tin-can recording of Kubelik with the Bavarian Radio Symphony) and I still enjoy it alongside the Bernstein/New York Philharmonic DG masterpiece and the spectacular Tilson-Thomas/London Symphony work on RCA. This is a wonderful reissue of a conductor and orchestra at their world-class best triumphant over one of Mahler's most difficult scores. Recorded in the acoustically perfect Krannert Center on the University of Illinois campus in Champaign by DECCA's David Harvey and Kenneth Wilkinson, we have been offered again an exceptional collaboration of Sir Georg Solti and the Chicago Symphony that has stood, stands, and will stand the test of time. Bravi!!"

Top of the line

Alan M. Schwartzman | Boise, Idaho | 09/25/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Solti has always been one of my favorite conductors, and i appreciate his work with Mahler, which runs a close second to L. Bernstein and Chailly. But this one is terrific, going right to the head of my Mahler Class. It has got it all in terms of drama and articulation, power and clarity. Solti at his best, a revelation on a most difficult symphony to bring off under the best of circumstances. And i'm NOT even getting paid by Decca/The Originals for this review.



AMS in Boise



PS His Mahler 6th on Decca/Ovation is also a must hear."