Composer: Gustav Mahler
Performer: Sarah Fox
Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra
Conductor: Sir Charles Mackerras
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Signum
Catalogue: SIGCD219
Release: 2010
Size: 243 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Symphony No. 4
01. I. Bedächtig, Nicht eilen ((Moderately, not rushed)
02. II. In gemächlicher Bewegung (Leisurely moving, without haste)
03. III. Ruhevoll (Peacefully)
04. IV. Sehr behaglich (Very comfortably)
Recorded at the Royal Festival Hall in February 2006, the next disc in Signum’s series of live orchestral recordings with the Philharmonia features the late Sir Charles Mackerras conducting Mahler’s Symphony No.4. The concert was a memorable one, as this review of that concert demonstrates:
“This performance was inspired and interesting … Setting off at a no-nonsense, fastish speed, Mackerras’s appreciation of the numerous changes of tempos was a miracle of refined music-making that enhanced the rustic joys of the first movement. What impressed so much was the innate humanity of this music that in other hands can come across as insincere. Numerous details were bought out in the music, not least gurgling bassoons, clarinets suggestive of birds, and flutes that effortlessly floated above the general melee. Each movement received wonderful care for the sentiment that lies behind the notes; the slow movement in particular was of a poise and serenity that was truly touching. The singing of Sarah Fox in the finale embellished the entire sense of naturalness that was enshrined in this memorable rendition, a triumph for the partnership of the Philharmonia Orchestra, on riveting form, and the venerable Mackerras.”