PSO Mahler stands up on disc

Mahler, Symphony No. 1. Pittsburgh Symphony, Manfred Honeck. Exton ****

I finally got time to really listen to the PSO's SACD recording of Mahler's Symphony No. 1 under Manfred Honeck. It's great to have his brilliant interpretation on record, so to speak, so that others can hear what I have been raving about.

Again, this is an approach that both reaches back in an almost period-instrument approach to styles from the late-19th century and Mahler's original intentions, as well as Honeck's own conception of the piece as full of heterogeneous music. The recording really brings out the elements Honeck wanted to be set in relief -- from certain instruments reaching out of the texture to characteristic music like the klezmer or landler. I think it is gorgeously recorded, both for tutti and solo playing, highly charged and certainly one of the best PSO recordings out there.

Now, let's just see what the rest of the world says about it!

Here is my feature piece on Honeck and his concept for Mahler 1 and my review of the concert at Heinz Hall from which much of this recording was taken.