Leonard Bernstein - Mahler: Adagio from Symphony No.10 Kindertotenlieder (1974) [2007 SACD]

One can hardly believe the SACD sound Sony has achieved here, trumping even the "Carnegie Hall Presents" remaster! It is almost unbelievable that the original sound we were able to hear back in the 60s and 70s has been so revived from those original recordings in New York's CBS Studios and Tel Aviv.

In the Kindertotenlieder, Janet Baker's signing is unmatchable. She shines radiantly in every song. The last sung passage of In diesem Wetter is exquisite. Baker keeps her voice steady and is never lacking in purity throughout. She sounds haunting at times, too. It is a truly amazing musical experience. The 10th Adagio is a masterpiece. It's power sends shivers throughout. This is a definitive recording of the only movement Mahler got to complete of his last Symphony.

As good as the LP vinyl version of this music, the transfer to SACD is heavenly.

Tracks:

1] Adagio from Symphony No.10
Kindertotenlieder:
2] - I.Nun will die Sonn'so hell aufgeh'n
3] - II.Nun seh' ich wohl, warum so dunkle Flammen
4] - III.Wenn dein Mutterlein
5] - IV.Oft denk'ich, sie sind nur ausgegangen
6] - V.In diesem Wetter

Personnel:

Janet Baker (vocal), Israel Philharmonic: Kindertotenlieder
New York Philharmonic: Adagio
Leonard Bernstein (conductor)