G.Mahler - Symphonie Nr.9 (Gewandhausorchester Leipzig - V.Neumann) - 1994

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G.Mahler - Symphonie Nr.9 (Gewandhausorchester Leipzig - V.Neumann) - 1994

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This recording of Mahler's ninth symphony is rarely included in the "critics' choice" lists of Mahler recordings. I have never seen it listed as a reference recording. I don't know why, because I grasp it as an outstanding, perfectly convincing, hair-raising, superbly played and deeply moving recording of Mahler's masterpiece.

Václav Neumann is one of the great Mahler champions from the boom in the sixties (other names include Barbirolli, Bernstein, Kubelik, and Solti) - he began recording some of the symphonies in the late sixties on the DDR edel classics (now Berlin Classics) with Gewandhausorchester Leipzig and made a complete cycle on Supraphon with the Czech Philharmonic a decade later.

What is a great interpretation? Well, basically, Neumann's Mahler ninth is not an extravagant interpretation (cf. Bernstein), but it is nonetheless original in its occasional "literalist" readings, which demonstrate Neumann's deep understanding of the score.

Check for example the "death trombones" at 314-316 in the first movement. Their second declaration should be played with slightly lower dynamics, sff instead of fff. Unlike most conductors (one exception is Boulez), Neumann observes this striking effect, which clearly contributes to the intensity of this remarkable section.

Second and third movements are also very fine, with exceptional woodwind and trumpet playing from the fine Leipzig orchestra. Again, score markings are taken at face value, including the drastic ritarardando at 343-345 in the second movement (cf. Karajan II on DG for a complete misunderstanding of this section).

The final movement, Mahler's second "Abschied", is superbly paced and balanced. It stops at 22'52 - not the fastest and not the slowest, but clearly in the swift category. In my view, this is not preventing the movement from being seen as "deeply felt" - feeling does not equal dilatory tactics.

This exceptional performance was recorded at Haus Auensee, Leipzig, in 1967. The sound is very fine, natural and balanced.

In short, it is time to rediscover Neumann's early Mahler ninth. References include Ancerl (Supraphon), Klemperer (EMI) and Walter (SONY).

Strongly recommended!

L. Johan
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