Mahler: Symphony No. 9
Mahler's Ninth is the epitome of his symphonic writing. It is in four movements: a 30-minute, discursive but highly polyphonic treatment of several extended melodies and striking rhythmic motives; a 15-minute dance-like movement with three distinct themes in different tempos; a riotous, 13-minute scherzo that pits energetic motives against each other fugally; and a 27-minute adagio with a gorgeous opening that returns several times, each more powerfully scored than the last, only to dissolve devastatingly at the end. Zander, long a cult figure on Boston's music scene, leads the fine English orchestra in a "live" performance that investigates the score's characteristics with particular attention to Mahler's expressive markings and dynamic indications. In the first three movements, these are problematic, and Zander's attentions prove fascinating. The finale demands less in the way of detail, but more in the way of visionary expressiveness. Here, Zander is less convincing. Excellent sound.--Paul Turok