Search - Mahler, Neumann, Czech Philharmonic :: Resurrection

An above average performance of this music

Larry VanDeSande | Mason, Michigan United States | 08/01/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Vaclav Neumann's 1980 recording of the Mahler "Resurrection" symphony with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and soloists Gabriela Benackova and Eva Randova is a very good performance in good sound that will satisfy most collecters and people that want to hear another version of this music.



In particular, the drums that begin the third movement are recorded exceptionally well, perhaps better than I've heard in other versions. Neumann's approach is straightforward, dramatic and not overtly religious.



It is effecive throughout and the tension is continuously maintained during the 78 minutes, making this a moderate performance. This was formerly released on two CDs, which were unnecessary for a recording of this duration.



The one element that may create dissatisfaction for some listeners is the accents of the singers, Benackova in particular. This was not a problem for me but I am neither an audiophile nor a purist about language. If you are, you may be put off by the soloist's thick Czech accent.



Otherwise this is a wonderfully dramatic account of one of history's most meaningful symphonies about Christian resurrection. The recording is good for its age and the reproduction in the Czech Philharmonic's Hall -- which can be clangy and reverberant -- is very good.



All told, this is good value for its $12 list price."

Beautifully phrased and it fits on a single CD

HB | Fort Mill, SC | 02/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Beautifully phrased Mahler recordings are not all that common. Many conductors overplay Mahler to the hilt, especially Leonard Bernstein in his 2nd set for DG. Vaclav Neumann plays the music straight but phrases with extreme beauty, especially in the 2nd and 3rd movements. The first movement is played very briskly and might seem somewhat cold to people used to slower tempos. He slows down a tad from there on and the performance concludes magnificently. The two lady vocal soloists are simply the best I have ever heard. Although this is not available in stores or Amazon any longer, it can be found on download services."