Subject: | |
From: | |
Date: | Fri, 11 Apr 2003 00:46:41 -0700 |
Content-Type: | text/plain |
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
David Harbin <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>I've read a few good reviews of the Herbert Blomstedt SFSO
>Mahler 2 They mention first rate sound, wonderful singing and
>playing and surprisingly energetic and visionary conducting. The
>sound stage is supposed to be spectacular. The recording seemed to
>become generally unavailable quite quickly and I was wondering if
>anyone could confirm whether it is as good as people claim.
I'm a bit biased as I was in that recording (1992), a dot of a voice
in the chorus. We had sung it 7 times in 10 nights and by the time we
recorded it after that 10-day period, we were pretty tired. I know our
soprano section went flat and I was told they had to substitute a few
corrected pitches, from one of the broadcast tapes that week.
Blomstedt's take on this was/is more sardonic than the usual. He sees
it as a more angry piece, which some find fits the dark irony, as did
most of us who have sung it more than a few times and each time must sit
there quietly listening to the first few movements before we're able to
sing a note. However, some critics aren't so pleased with his approach.
They find it abrasive.
It's very intense, and the sound IS good. It was nominated for a Grammy,
for what that's worth.
The live experience at the ending choral section was very effective for
the audience who kept looking around while we were singing, wondering
where the sound was coming from (even though we were right there in front
of them). We were told to start with minimal movement and the softest
possible sound.
- Andrys
http://andrys.com
|
|
|