Claudio Abbado - Mahler: Symphony No. 5 (1993) [2004 SACD]

Claudio Abbado’s supremacy as a Mahler conductor is acknowledged, and this live performance of Symphony No. 5 recorded in Berlin’s Philharmonie in May 1993 is among the top recordings ever made. Originally issued on regular CD (now withdrawn except for inclusion in DGG’s 12-CD Mahler set), here we have it in “surround” sound, a mix by Gernot von Schaltzendorf. Ambience is heard from the extra channels, but there is little presence per se. However, the sound is satisfactory, superior to the dry acoustic provided Sir Simon Rattle with the same orchestra recorded live in September 2002 at the opening concert of the conductor’s tenure with this orchestra.

Tracks:

Disc: 1
1. Part I. 1. Trauermarsch. In gemessnem Schritt. Streng. Wie ein Kondukt
2. Part I. 2. Stürmisch bewegt, mit größter Vehemenz
3. Part II. 3. Scherzo. Kräftig, nicht zu schnell

Disc: 2
1. Part III. 4. Adagietto. Sehr langsam
2. Part III. 5. Rondo-Finale. Allegro – Allegro giocoso. Frisch

Personnel:

Composed By – Gustav Mahler
Conductor – Claudio Abbado
Orchestra – Berliner Philharmoniker