Mahler: Symphony No. 3
Mahler's longest and most kaleidoscopic symphony has been getting more attention in recent years both on concert schedules and on disc--from the dull, uninspired account byLópez-CobostoEsa-Pekka Salonen's brilliant interpretation. It's a tall order to pull off, whether in the tremendously vivid details of Mahler's score or the overall pantheistic vision that holds its colossal structure together.Andrew Littonhas so far proved himself a solid Mahler conductor, with a respectableSecond Symphonyin his quiver, the previous installment of a continuing cycle. But this live Third puts him in the top rank. Litton shows a fantastic ear for those details, which actually seem to pullulate in the first movement. His approach is clear-headed, with a vertical sense of musical events that is riveting. You may not be as tempted to air conduct as in Bernstein'smagnificent visionor in another gold standard, theJascha Horenstein account--there's less of the cosmological panic and blissful revelation than what you'll find with Lenny, to be sure--but Litton's stewardship clearly signals a general shift away from the indulgences of more subjective Mahler interpretations from decades past. And the clarity that results is revealing, whether in the shimmering wonders of the posthorn music or the lovingly unfolded final paean. Delos's "Virtual Reality Recording" sound is superbly realistic, and the Dallas Symphony's excellent playing makes you wonder how the myth of the "big five" American orchestras continues. At the two-for-one price, you can't go wrong.--Thomas May