Mahler: Symphony No. 9 (2011)

Timed at 95 minutes and occupying two CDs, this live audiophile recording of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 9 in D major is approximately 15 minutes longer than the average duration. Yet this may come as a surprise when the performance is actually heard, because it doesn't feel like an inordinately slow or drawn-out version. Mark Gorenstein and the State Symphony Orchestra of Russia (otherwise known as the Svetlanov Symphony Orchestra) certainly aren't hellbent to rip through this symphony at top speed, but neither are they ... Read More

Timed at 95 minutes and occupying two CDs, this live audiophile recording of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 9 in D major is approximately 15 minutes longer than the average duration. Yet this may come as a surprise when the performance is actually heard, because it doesn't feel like an inordinately slow or drawn-out version. Mark Gorenstein and the State Symphony Orchestra of Russia (otherwise known as the Svetlanov Symphony Orchestra) certainly aren't hellbent to rip through this symphony at top speed, but neither are they especially sluggish, except for their expansive tempos in the Adagio, which adds nearly ten minutes to the whole performance and seem a little exaggerated, even by conventional standards. But it's really worth the time it takes, insofar as slowing things down even a little allows many details to shine through, and the pacing of the symphony overall is consistent, so the additional time taken is used wisely and spread out where needed. The greatest advantage of this recording is the... Read Less