Mahler;Gustav Sym

One usually shies away from DVD releases of purely symphonic performances: how can watching a static orchestra (with the eventual addition of soloist and choruses) hold our attention for the more than hour and a half long work? Yes, it is interesting to see a conductor communicate with his orchestra and to see the various sections at work, especially when caught with the musical sensitivity of these cameramen. But in the end does the visual detract from the music?

In the case of this splendid performance by Bernard Haitink conducting the Berlin Philharmonic the answer is a resounding NO - it does not detract! It is such a joy to see and hear this extraordinary performance, one that proves Haitink's position as one of the finest of the Mahler conductors. The playing by the BPO is sumptuous and rich and exactingly correct. Haitink brings out all the boisterous gaudiness of the march into Summer of the first movement and yet allows himself and his orchestra to caress the following tender moments with equal finesse.

One truly magnificent aspect of this recording is the presence of mezzo-soprano Florence Quivar as the soloist. Hers is a voice of burnished gold and her plangent understanding of the text of 'O Mensch' is among the finest on recording. The Tölzer Knabenchor and Women of Ernst-Senff-Chor are likewise first rate and the balance when these several forces combine with the orchestra is perfect. Yet it is the closing movement of the symphony 'Langsam. Ruhevoll' that places this performance in the ranks of the finest.

This is a recording for the ages and one that deserves all of the attention focused on it by very competent engineers. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, September 06

At this writing there have been two very positive reviews of Haitink's performance of Mahler's Sym. 3.

I will second these recommendations and provide a few of my personal observations to perhaps help explain why I think you will find this such an enjoyable performance:

During the performance, the close-ups are well-planned, and give us a chance to see Mahler's diverse, birdlike chirpings, especially in the first movement and the beginning of the third movement, where the "cuckoo is dead" refrain bounces from oboe to clarinet to piccolo.

Florence Quivar's voice combines a haunting, almost supernatural sound with perfect enunciation--a "John the Baptist"-like voice crying out to mankind.

The final movement is so resolved, so ultimately at peace. Those old enough to remember the ultimate showman, pianist Liberace, will recognize his signature tune, the once popular song, "I'll be Seeing You." An example of pop music with classical roots, the song was taken from the final movement of Mahler's Third.

Liberace started out as an unsuccessful classical musician. He later achieved worldwide fame, wearing extravagant, eye-catching, opulent outfits which complemented his title as "Mr. Showmanship." Yet, remembering his dearly-loved classical music, he always delighted whenever someone in his audiences recognized his themesong as coming from Mahler's Third symphony.

Mahler's Third is certainly a unique piece of music, for Mahler himself said that he was attempting nothing less than to embrace the entire universe in music. This performance does indeed fulfill Mahler's design, beginning with soft sounds, which Bernard Haitink continuously suppresses to even more quietness, until a Liberace-like resplendently triumphant finale.

As Leonardo da Vinci said, "Oh you wretched mortals--open your eyes (and ears!). Really, this is a performance you will enjoy again and again.

If you love Mahler, this DVD is a must buy. The performances by Bernard Haitink and the Berlin Philharmonic are absolutely superb in every way. Haitink's Mahler has never had the type of adoration given to Leonard Bernstein but after you watch and listen to this DVD you might just wonder why. Haitink does not overinterpret Mahler like Bernstein. He plays the music straight and I for one love it that way. Overinterpreting Mahler is like adding hot sauce to an already spicy bowl of chili. There is no need for it. The music speaks for itself quite eloquently. Needless to say, the orchestral playing of the Berlin Philharmonic is simply wonderful, especially the tenor horn player in the Mahler 7th. And Sylvia McNair, the vocal soloist, sings her part with beautiful tone and great childlike simplicity. As for the video, it is excellent. At less than 30 dollars, this is a real bargain.