Lisa della Casa, Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Fritz Reiner Conducting: Mahler: Symphony No. 4 in G major CD Track Listing

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Lisa della Casa, Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Fritz Reiner Conducting Mahler: Symphony No. 4 in G major (1959)
Mahler: Symphony No. 4 in G major (Hybrid SACD)\nChicago Symphony Orchestra - Fritz Reiner Conducting\n2005 BMG Classics\n\nRCA Living Stereo LP Originally Released 1959\nCD Edition Released March 7, 2000\nHybrid SACD Released July 26, 2005\n\nAMG EXPERT REVIEW: N/A\n\nAmazon.com Customer Review\nOne of the best ways to be introduced to Mahler, March 1, 2005\nReviewer: Todd Ebert (Long Beach California) \nI was introduced to Mahler through the backdoor so to speak. The first recording I bought of his work featured the ninth symphony conducted by Bruno Walter (Angel Records #63029). On that recording I sensed the genius of Mahler, but found the recording production much too muddled to do justice to the nuances of both Walter and Mahler. My next attempt was Mahler's 10th conducted by Simon Rattle (EMI Classics #56972) . In this case I sensed a symphony that needed some editing. The genius of Mahler was there for the ears to behold, but the symphony itself seemed very unpolished, as if it needed a few more iterations of rework. I found it hard to sit through in one listening. Later I learned that Mahler never actually finished it. \n\nSo it has brought me great pleasure that my third listening attempt at Mahler's music, this Symphony #4 recording with Reiner, has been quite enjoyable and inspiring. Listening to this recording is like reading a novel that cannot be put down. Every musical passage seems to have something new and interesting to it. And the sound of the recording is quite good for 1958 circa. I especially enjoy the way every section of the orchestra has key roles to play throughout the symphony: winds, brass, strings, percussion, and vocal. If this isn't Mahler at his best, then I have much to look forward to.\n\nAmazon.com Customer Review\nJust one question...., May 4, 2004\nReviewer: Howard G Brown (New York, NY United States) \nI loved this recording as an lp -- my favorite stereo version, with Kletzki's Philharmonia recording a close second. I love it even more in this excellent sounding format. Now to the question: with Della Casa on hand for this recording, why-oh-why wasn't additional time setup up for her to re-record Strauss' Four Last Songs with Reiner/CSO? It would have made a great 4th side to the Das Lied Von Der Erde set that followed this symphony in the catalog.\nOne of many potentially great recordings that got away!\n\nAmazon.com Customer Review\none of the best, December 16, 2002\nReviewer: R. J. Claster "rjclaster" (Van Nuys, CA United States) \nThis is an excellent recording. Reiner conducts with both verve and sensitivity, the orchestral playing is first class, and the 20bit remastering makes this sound like a contemporary recording, apart from the tape hiss. In particular, I definitely prefer it to the much touted Szell because, while distinguished by beautiful orchestral playing, that interpretation is marred by too slow and careful sounding renditions of the first and last movements. The only qualifications I would offer is that some might find the Reiner orchestral sound too full of cutting edge briliance for such a mellow work.\n\nAmazon.com Customer Review\nA notable rarity, November 13, 2000\nReviewer: Jonathan Stern (New York, New York USA) \nIt's a real shame that Fritz Reiner only made two Mahler recordings (he and the CSO also did a fine Das Lied von der Erde). Throughout this account, it is clear that the Hungarian maestro had a great feel for the idiom, conducting the first two movements with character, well-placed glissandi, and wit. Also praiseworthy is the playing of the Chicago Symphony in this, their first Mahler recording. Despite the trumpets' tendencies to blast, it is evident that they were a Mahler orchestra of the first rank even in 1959. Although this is one of the quickest Fourth's on record, the recording never seems rushed. The second movement is a particular delight, the CSO demonstrating their ability to play "in between the notes" (to use a Stravinsky phrase). What keeps this performance just below the very best (a select and diverse group consisting of Szell, Previn, and Haitink) is Reiner's unwillingness to play the third movement with the requisite warmth and Della Casa's heavy-sounding soprano in the Finale (the playing gets a little raucous in this last movement as well). Still, the "Reiner Sound" is evident throughout as he makes much of the Mozartisms and Schubertisms that abound and shapes the melodic lines with elegance and authority. This recording is enthusiastically recommended to those who admire Reiner's work in Chicago, to those who do not cotton to some of the other recordings I've mentioned, and especially to those who yearn for a recording from a real "Master of the Baton" (are there any such conductors in existence today?).\n\nAmazon.com Customer Review\nRadiant Performance Overcomes Transfer, June 27, 2000\nReviewer: D. M Roth "drth" (Pleasant Hill, Ca) \nI agree with reviewer below-there is a low-frequncy rumble in track two. But honestly, I have played this disc five times since buying it without noticing the flaw. That's the agony of hi-fi-now that the hum has been detected by better ears than mine, I want to listen for it!\nStill, nothing spoils the radiant sweetness of this quick but abidingly musical performance. The third movement opening phrases are in fact among the fastest I have heard, but the Chicago string players breath as one player, their lovely tone quality sounding from another generation despite the crisp articulation. In the final movement, the orchestra's clear but gentle delineation of detail creates a perfect accompaniment to Lisa della Casa. Others of Reiner's recordings ( his Beethoven 6th,Strauss Ein Heldenleben, Debussy La Mer) also contradict his severe appearance and image while still showing flawless preparation and execution.\n\nAside from the rumble, the sound is really beautiful-resonant with orchestral solos in clear perspecive and plenty of mass and power when Mahler's dynamic range opens up. So, test your concentration on track two to enjoy an unforgettable experience!
This classical cd contains 4 tracks and runs 53min 39sec.
Freedb: 3a0c9104

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