Mahler - Symphony No. 5 / Barenboim, Chicago Symphony

Starring:Mahler, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Barenboim
Studio: Arthaus Musik
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Daniel Barenboim's performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 5 begins with a certain sense of detachment and continues that way, seeming both calculated and calculating by turns. The composer's famous aphorism about the process of symphonic composition being in the nature of "building a world" is quoted in the excellent and detailed booklet notes (no shortage of scholarship here), so it's intriguing to observe how Barenboim chooses to contain the warmth and passion inherent in the work. In building a world, perhaps, one must perforce define its boundaries, yet at the same time it's this very process of containment that draws attention to these qualities. Musically, then, this is undoubtedly an interesting piece of work. In production terms, we're offered a very good argument for the DVD as a vehicle for orchestral performance. What may appear at first glance to be irritatingly skittish camerawork is in fact a perfect demonstration of how careful direction can draw attention to particular areas of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at exactly the right musical moment. The sound quality, though aggressively digital, is airy and detailed. --Roger Thomas, Amazon.co.uk

Customer Reviews:

Very interesting performance of a rare mahlerian conductor........2006-02-07

Daniel Barenboim didn't record too many Mahler works until today, we have to mention a wonderful recording of Des Knaben Wunderhorn with Dieskau and the Berliner Philharmoniker (Sony), a quite good Das Lied von der Erde with Chicago (Erato) and some lieder with Meier and the Orchestre de Paris (Erato).

I've listened Daniel Barenboim conducting Mahler, in the Teatro Real, in Madrid, where he conducted some years ago Mahler's First Symphony to the Berliner Staatskapelle, a really remarkable concert, one of the best I've ever been. Probably Mahler's music is not so close to Barenboim like Beethoven, Brahms, Bruckner or some other great composer from the romantic period, and specially from the German tradition. Anyway, Barenboim's great conducting makes a remarkable Mahler, as I have listened live and in his recordings.

This Mahler's Fifth is a very good performance of a master piece, one of my favourite symphonic works. I have to say I prefer other versions on CD, like Riccardo Chailly's one (Decca) specially, or Bernstein's one (DG, CD or DVD), Abbado with Chicago (DG), even Haitink with Berlin offers an interesting interpretation. Barenboim's one is good, based on a magnificent orchestra that responds like a machine to the very high difficulties of this score. First and second movements always use to be very good played by this orchestra (like Abbado showed) and this time they make it very well one more time. The Scherzo is wonderfully played by the first horn of the CSO, Mr. Clevenger, a really outstanding player. Adagietto is smooth and full of charm, very sensitive and sensible to what the piece means. The Rondo Finale is very good too, with the Chicago Machine playing full of energy in the final fanfares. Some people have mentioned CSO brasses specially, I've to say that I love them but much more for repertoires like Shostakovich, Bruckner, Mahler or Bartók. Mahler's very sensitive music ask for a fine playing that sometimes I miss, sometimes, not always, in the very aggressive and hard Chicago brasses playing.

The sound is very good and the film too, taken in Köln (Germany), the same you can listen on CD in Teldec label.

Together with Bernstein (DG), the Mahler's Fifth I found more interesting on DVD, even more than Rattle's one with Berlin (EMI).

Tribute to Bud Herseth.......2004-11-09

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has the largest video archive of any orchestra in the country. From 1948-2001, only one man could be seen in every recording: CSO principal trumpet Adolph 'Bud' Herseth. This is the last visual recording Bud made with the orchestra, and what better choice of program could there be? Bud always played Mahler's 5th like it was written for him, and the well-deserved tribute he receives at the end of the performance is not just for another awe-inspiring performance, but for 53 years of showing the world how the trumpet can and should sound. This is a 1997 performance, and Bud was born in 1921... you do the math! This DVD should be seen by any brass player. The CSO's legendary tradition of excellence in brass-playing has never been more evident.

Inspired Unison!.......2004-05-29

After a struggle with the gloomy preoccupation with mortality in the first two parts, the symphony bursts forth into a celebration of life.

Daniel Barenboim's conducting is graceful and elegant--he's there for every phrase of music, and is completely involved with it.

If you're a fan of audio versions of this symphony, you'll really appreciate SEEING what's going on. Kudos to Video Director Bob Coles who has the cameras right there at the right time to catch specific players at their key moments.

This is definitely not a static view of a symphony performance. It moves and flows as individuals work together in inspired unison.

very worthwhile.......2002-12-29

Although this performance lacks the passionate quality that some others bring to this work, noticably Bernstein, it is a sensitive and observant one which, unlike the well known 1970 recording of Barenboim's predecessor in Chicago (i.e. Solti), is not marred by being overdriven in places. Nevertheless, the orchestral playing retains the blend of power and precision characteristic of this orchestra in this repertoire, particularly in the brass. Furthermore, the sound is excellent. If one is willing to pay the premium to have this work on DVD, this is definitely worth acquiring.

Beautiful, Passionate, the CSO DELIVERS!.......2002-11-29

I love Mahler! I have at least three recordings of every symphony and enjoy what each concuctor/director brings out of this composer's genius. However, watching the Fifth performed by the CSO is a real treat. I believe the brass in the CSO still sets the standard for orchestral playing. In fact in the first few bars you will see why Adolf Herseth is heralded as THE greatest orchestral trumpeter of all time. His playing is technically flawless and beautifully passionate. He IS the best. The entire orchestra is warm, rich and vibrant. I enjoyed every aspect of this performance. The interpretation is extremely romantic yet not overdone and the playing is tremendous. Brass players MUST see this performance; however, woodwind and string players will love this as well. Is there a better clarinetist than Larry Combs? This is a fabulous performance. Don't miss it!

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