Pierre Boulez - Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde (2001)

Pierre Boulez's ongoing Gustav Mahler cycle pleases those who prefer a lucid, analytical take on these sprawling works, while displeasing those who favor interpretations that match Mahler's wild, all-encompassing attempt to capture the universe in sound. This Lied won't change any minds, but even naysayers will appreciate its strong points, among which mezzo-soprano Violeta Urmana is by far the strongest. The voice itself is pliant, warm, expressive, and in the final "Abschied," Mahler's moving farewell to life, Urmana erases memories of most of her recorded predecessors. Tenor Michael Schade's bright, ringing tenor cuts through the orchestra, albeit with a misguided attempt to color and highlight even the words best sung simply. Boulez's attention to detail and the Vienna Philharmonic's masterly playing are other pluses. But the emotional core of the music is missing; Boulez gives us the music but not the emotions it should convey, resulting in a Lied that's alienated from itself. Interesting as this release is, the very different approaches of Walter, Horenstein, Bernstein, and Klemperer have more to say about this music. --Dan Davis