Symphony, No. 7
Barenboim’s Mahler Seventh joins the handful of elite versions of this work, perhaps the least-often performed among the composer’s symphonies. It’s an interpretation that never wallows in excess emotionalism, while avoiding sterile objectivism. Throughout, Barenboim has his fine orchestra inflecting melodic phrases, hitting accents with vitality, and playing quiet sections with an intensity that pulls you into Mahler’s world instead of just waiting for the next big climax. He brings out often overlooked details without exaggerating them, and his feeling for color matches Mahler’s subtle orchestral shadings while never descending to the garish. A high point of the performance is the second Nachtmusik movement, taken at a flowing tempo that pulls the listener in. The central Scherzo too has zest and bite. The sound he evokes from the orchestra is a big part of the story. The strings’ warmth and hushed pianissimos are beautiful, building from a strong bass foundation in the central European tradition Mahler himself exemplified. Mahlerians won’t want to miss this one.-- Dan Davis