Composer: Gustav Mahler
Performer: Thomas Hampson, Susan Graham
Orchestra: San Francisco Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Michael Tilson Thomas
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: SFS Media
Catalogue: SFS0036
Release: 2010
Size: 609 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: cover
Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen
01. I. Wenn mein Schatz Hochzeit macht
02. II. Ging heut’ Morgen übers Feld
03. III. Ich hab’ ein glühend Messer
04. IV. Die zwei blauen Augen von meinem Schatz
Rückert-Lieder
05. Ich atmet’ einen linden Duft
06. Blicke mir nicht in die Lieder
07. Liebst du um Schönheit
08. Um Mitternacht
09. Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen
Des Knaben Wunderhorn (1899 version)
10 .I. Lied des Verfolgten im Turm
11. II. Der Tamboursg’sell
12 .III. Wo die schönen Trompeten blasen
13. IV. Revelge
14. V. Urlicht
Compared to his expansive, intensely wrought symphonies, Gustav Mahler’s lyrical and picturesque songs are much less frequently performed and recorded, so the appearance of a truly exceptional album is sure to get the attention of devoted fans. Michael Tilson Thomas has released splendid recordings of several of the symphonies, but in this 2010 release he turns his attention to the Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, the Rückert-Lieder, and selections from the vocal collection Des Knaben Wunderhorn, which are sung close to perfection by soprano Susan Graham and baritone Thomas Hampson, and accompanied with grace by the extraordinary San Francisco Symphony. Some listeners find these works more accessible and appealing than the symphonies because Mahler’s text settings are focused, evocative, and quite easy to grasp, and the shorter duration of these highly expressive pieces is easier on those who find the symphonies excessively long and long-winded. Tilson Thomas is completely at home in Mahler’s oeuvre, so there really is no discernable difference in the way he handles the orchestra in the songs or the symphonies, and admirers of his work will be impressed with his control and clarity. Graham and Hampson are among the most accomplished singers going, and their warmth and melodic smoothness are wholly appropriate to the gentleness and longing of Mahler’s songs. The live DSD recording on ths SACD is clear and spacious, so a realistic concert sound is re-created.
Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony bring their historic Mahler recording cycle to a close with the composer’s three song cycles. Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony, who launched their historic Mahler recording cycle in 2001, complete the best-selling, critically acclaimed and award winning project with the composer’s atmospheric song cycles. The live recordings, taken from concerts in the orchestra’s Davies Symphony Hall, features two of America’s most lauded singers, mezzo-soprano Susan Graham in Rückert-Lieder, and baritone Thomas Hampson in Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, and selections from Das Knaben Wunderhorn.
The release coincides with international celebrations Mahler’s music, as 2010 is the 150th anniversary of his birth, and 2011 marks the 100th year of his death. The SFS and MTT, among the world’s leading interpreters of Mahler’s music, will play a significant role in the global commemoration of Mahler, through concerts, prominent media projects, and extensive international tours. The MTT/SFS Mahler cycle has won seven Grammy Awards, including three for Best Classical Album, and has sold over 140,000 recordings world-wide. This final instalment puts the crowning touch on every collector’s CD shelf.