Mahler: Symphony No. 1
Folks who generally shy away from Boulez's Mahler ought to hear this performance. It's a whale of a good time, plain and simple. Far from being cold and analytical, the first movement positively glows with romantic warmth. Boulez is especially generous with the big retard leading to the first movement's climax, where the Chicago brass literally whoop it up, just as Mahler demands. The second movement is fast, but never lacking in charm, while the funeral march of the third movement has the right quality of cartoon ghoulishness. Good klezmer-like interludes, too, if not quite up toKubelik's incomparable standard. Best of all, the finale positively blazes--no dragging, no underplayed climaxes--simply a blast from beginning to end. Indeed, it's hard to dismiss the notion that the usually cerebral Boulez is simply getting a naughty thrill letting his Chicagoans play the pants off of this most colorful of romantic symphonies. They've recorded it at least four times previously (for Giulini, Tennstedt, Solti, and Abbado), but this really is Chicago's best. Great sound, as well, with room-shaking bass. Take this to your local stereo store, play the last five minutes, and see if you can dim the lights in your neighborhood while you blow out some woofers.--David Hurwitz