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Brief Review: Mahler: Symphony No.1 - Ádám Fischer, Düsseldorfer Symphoniker

Overall this is a very charming recording of Mahler's 1st symphony. I'd first like to point out that the sound of the actual CD is fabulous. It sounds fresh, refined, but almost natural enough to sound live. This stands the actual interpretation in good stead. The first movement starts off really rather timid, but it sings nevertheless. That may be an odd thing to say about 1 note being played for a long time, but it is really rather lyrical. As Mahler intended, it effectively creates a peculiar air for the proceeding melodies to emerge from. The 'cuckoo calls' stand out from the rest of the orchestra to an extent I have not heard on any other recording. Although I point out the dynamics are timid, they are very balanced and delicate, just restricted. Throughout the symphony, the various folk tune are very gay and child like. I'd like to think this is something Mahler would have approved of. More than anything, this really illuminates the irony in the music, you sense Fischer has great intent in doing this. The second movement is nothing to shout about. It broadly follows the same path as the first, though it was very rhythmic and almost 'dancable'. The third movement is profoundly beautiful, but I doubt Gustav Mahler would approve of the double bass section being played with such precision and dignity. The finale is slightly underwhelming. However it does share the same spirit as the previous movements. I suppose it works well, I just don't have an awful lot to say about it.
As I say at the beginning, this is a genuinely charming account of Mahler's 1st. The playing is faultless, and the interpretation is generally very elegant and refined. I wouldn't say it has changed my life, but it is really rather good. It does lack the element of adventure and surprise that great recordings of this symphony do. Worth your time nevertheless.



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