Mahler: Symphony No. 4 (2004)

Because this performance of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 4 in G major is significantly scaled down in instrumentation and recorded at a slightly low level, listeners may initially feel there is something wrong, either with the CD or their playback systems. But Daniel Harding and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra offer up a somewhat thin and pale version of the symphony that cries out for the richness of a full orchestra, and Virgin contributes to the problem by providing rather sterile reproduction, so the problem lies not with ... Read More

Because this performance of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 4 in G major is significantly scaled down in instrumentation and recorded at a slightly low level, listeners may initially feel there is something wrong, either with the CD or their playback systems. But Daniel Harding and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra offer up a somewhat thin and pale version of the symphony that cries out for the richness of a full orchestra, and Virgin contributes to the problem by providing rather sterile reproduction, so the problem lies not with one's equipment, but with the performers and the recording. With boosted volume, it's evident that the musicians play quite well, and Harding's interpretation is generally on the mark, with only a few eccentricities of tempo and unusual emphases of inner parts. There are also some inordinately loud climaxes, which seem to be the result of overcompensation for the orchestra's small size. But the chief problem is that this performance lacks the brightness and cheerfulness of many a... Read Less