Visual Metaphors Gone Wrong

 

Solti walking on Water?!?

It is an indulgent picture, showing what Decca and Chicago thought of Sir Georg. He could do anything... even walk on water.

It is perhaps too biblical an image for me, but here was a conductor greatly admired, yet just as equally criticized.

His approach to Mahler were certainly not ignored by his critics - too strong-willed, superficial, clinical and cool, too aggressive, no room to breathe. Yet, many of these faults are why some cherish recordings from Chicago with Solti.

I like Solti's earlier recording with Chicago in Mahler's Symphony no. 5, but this live recording from the 90s cleans up many of the issues from his 70s recording. The strings are not so overwhelming and globby anymore, instead more gracious and genial. The brass is less strident, the percussion is less to the fore, and the whole ensemble is generally balanced better.

In either recording, I never feel Solti gets the famous Adagietto; I like a more heart-on-sleeve approach, but at least the conductor doesn't dwell, such as Levine does.

Yet, despite all the cleaning up of Solti's earlier recording, I miss the intense terror from the 70s. It may have been an extreme musical view, yet I think it has a place, as do many approaches to Mahler's symphonies.

Depending if you want a rough handling or a tidy sound in Mahler's Fifth, Solti at least has both opportunities for listeners, should they so wish. Neither are wrong if someone enjoys it!

A review from 2024

There are two recording of Mahler’s Symphony 5 with Sir Georg Solti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (avoid the Tonhalle one). A 1970 studio recording on Decca, marking an early recorded collaboration that would continue for the next 20-plus years, and this live recording from the 90s in Vienna.

 

I like the 1970’s recording for its unyielding intensity, but this 90s recording shows more humanity, grace, and refinement amidst Solti’s propulsive view of the work. The orchestra is more cohesive sounding, the sonics are better balanced, and in general, capture what, between Solti and Chicago, was their showpiece.

 

In general, I like the grab-by-the-throat, visceral approach from the earlier recording, but both are worthy, depending on what you can stomach in your Mahler.

 

Listen on YouTube

 

 

Works
Symphony 5

  I. 12.35
 II. 14.30
III. 16.58
IV. 9.42
 V. 14.53

Performers
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Georg Solti, conductor

Label: Decca
Year: 1991
Total Timing: 69.29

 

 

 
I love the earlier 70s recording, but this 90s one with Solti and Chicago will please those who find the earlier one too roughly handled and of strange sound quality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find more Mahler recordings HERE!