Mahler - Symphonies Nos. 9 & 10 / Das Lied von der Erde
Mahler - Symphonies Nos. 9 & 10 / Das Lied von der Erde

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Mahler - Symphonies Nos. 9 & 10 / Das Lied von der Erde

2005
Movie
176 min
English

Filmed on tour at Berlin's Philharmonie, this account of the valedictory Ninth Symphony is an intense interpretation, expressing Bernstein's conviction that modern man had at last caught up with the message encoded in Mahler's last completed work. Having made his famous 1966 studio recording of "Das Lied von der Erde" in Vienna, Bernstein re-recorded this in Israel with the same searing subjectivity. René Kollo draws on the voice of a great Wagner tenor, while Christa Ludwig, the greatest exponent of the contralto songs at the time, is unbearably poignant in the final movement's fusion of elation and sadness.

Insights

Director: Simon Rattle (conductor)Genres: Classical Music, Orchestral, Symphony

Plot Summary

This recording captures Simon Rattle and the Berliner Philharmoniker performing Gustav Mahler's monumental Ninth Symphony and the unfinished Tenth Symphony, alongside his profound song cycle 'Das Lied von der Erde'. The performances are lauded for their intense emotional depth and technical brilliance, showcasing Mahler's complex musical landscapes.

Critical Reception

The recording received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for Rattle's interpretation and the orchestra's virtuosic execution. Reviewers highlighted the emotional power and clarity of the performances, cementing its status as a significant contribution to Mahler's discography.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Simon Rattle's insightful and passionate conducting.

  • Commended the Berliner Philharmoniker's exceptional playing and emotional resonance.

  • Noted for its deeply moving and profound interpretations of Mahler's late works.

Google audience: Audience reviews consistently praise the profound emotional impact and the superb quality of the orchestral performance, often citing it as a benchmark recording for these Mahler works.

Fun Fact

Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 10 remained unfinished at his death, with only the first movement (Adagio) substantially complete. Later conductors and scholars have created performing editions of the remaining movements based on Mahler's extensive sketches.

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