Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde
Eiji Oue has been getting great press since he became music director of the Minnesota Orchestra. This brand new recording of Mahler'sDas Lied von der Erdegives us an idea why. The crystal-clear audiophile recording allows us to hear all of Mahler's colors--just listen, in the first song, as the mood ranges from exhilaration over the joys of life and  the perfect blue sky to the howling ape. One of the great things about this set is Oue's willingness to let the orchestra loose, here and elsewhere. Jon Villars sounds as if he's at the start of a fine tenorial career--the voice is big and bright, with almost no sense of strain, even at Mahler's cruel climaxes. But the true find here is mezzoMichelle DeYoung, who sings with a warmth and communication reminiscent ofChrista Ludwig(although their actual sounds could not be more different). Her "Abschied" ends hypnotically, as it should, but without exaggeration. This is a wonderful set, performed with intelligence and feeling, and it should rise to the top of any list of superbDas Liedson the market.--Robert Levine