Telarc and their Bass Drums

 

While some may not enjoy vocals in a symphony, here they are a breath of fresh air.

Not only do the singers provide a respite from nearly 60 minutes of purely orchestral music up to that point, they are a nice transition to another 20 minutes of instrumental music yet to follow.

In particular, this Telarc recording captures the splendid fifth movement so beautifully. It is pure sunshine, and its vocal solo predecessor is a tender moment as well.

Some may not like the over-juiced bass drum here, but I find it exhilarating, and all of the percussion gets an unusually clear spotlight.

Not that any of this takes away from the orchestra; everything shines through with the clearest of aural pictures, and it is a delight to listen to.

Jesús López-Cobos approaches Symphony no. 3 in a fairly no-nonsense manner, favoring swift. forward movement until the finale, which tends a bit much to sentimentality. Still, as I mention in my personal overview of this symphony, I like Mahler's positivity towards nature in his music, and this recording lifts up that aspect strongly.

I have a few personal quibbles in the recording, but they are small, and certainly do not detract from the overall picture here.

A review from 2024

This Mahler Symphony 3 from Jesús López-Cobos and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is a wonderful performance.

 

Cobos generally has a forward-moving vision of the work, at least until the final movement, when he pulls back for a little sentimentality. Otherwise, Cincinnati is impressive throughout, and like many US orchestras, favor a brass-forward sound, especially in their big moments. I am not a particular fan of the trombone solo here, however the off-stage flugelhorn solo is simply divine and remarkably balanced for a sheer heavenly effect.

 

The most rewarding aspect of this recording are the sonics. They are clear and colorful, allowing each section to speak clearly and cohesively. Have you heard such an impactful bass drum before?!? This aspect makes for an especially fine fifth movement, where the vocal soloist, children’s choir, adult choir, and all of the orchestra sections sound out their merry-making for all to be heard equally, in one of the finest available of that portion of the symphony.

 

The Telarc label is now defunct, but luckily their catalog is still floating around for any who wish to find them. This is another treasure!

 

Listen on YouTube

 

Works
Symphony 3

  I. 32.15
 II. 9.16
III. 17.53
IV. 8.58
 V. 4.07
VI. 23.11

Soloists
Michelle DeYoung, mezzo-soprano

Ensembles
May Festival Chorus
Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music Children's Choir
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Jesús López-Cobos, conductor

Label: Telarc
Year: 1998
Total Timing: 1.35.57

 

 

Cobos really pulls back for the final movement, maybe more than Cincinnati can handle, and the trombone solo is not a favorite here.

But the flugelhorn solo is absolutely divine, superbly balanced, and the whole work is wonderfully paced overall.

The clear, colorful Telarc sonics might bother some, but I find them refreshing and enjoyable.

 

 

 

 

 

Find more Mahler recordings HERE!