Let's hear it for the Winds

 

I think what most stands out for me in this recording is the singular wind sound from the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

While I am not thrilled by the tone of the solo horn (oh...the vibrato), listen to that third movement. The piercing clarinet for example, which reminds me of what Shostakovich will do in his own Scherzos. And this carries over to the entire woodwind section.

Yes, this is a special performance, and sits atop many best-of lists when it comes to Mahler's Symphony no. 9. I love Ancerl's tempos in the rustic dance second movement, where the medium, fast, and slow portions are so firmly delineated. This is

Then there is Ancerl's intense finale. The strings have such energy behind their sound, yet the tempo is slow. This goes to show speed and torque are two completely different concepts, and Ancerl has his Czech ensemble build remarkable torque behind this string section.

On the other hand, the sonics aren't perfect. It leans towards the treble, making the string harsh at times, but in general, this is a minor quibble. I am sure it cleans up from the original CD release. Did I mention the horn wobble?

A review from 2024

Karel Ančerl’s 1966 recording of Mahler’s 9^th Symphony has long been a favorite performance of the composer’s most personal and modern of symphonies.

 

Probably what set this performance apart from the rest are the winds of the Czech Philharmonic. The 3^rd movement is filled with piquant, screaming winds, and it is thrilling here. I also particularly like Ančerl’s way with tempos throughout. The second movement, for example, is set at a wonderful pace, but it is the way he makes each of the three different dance sections speak with their own speed and character.

 

Should we talk about the intensity of the strings in the final movement? Sure it all ends divinely, but Ančerl is absolutely in a class of his own for the sheer torque built behind the strings during this movement.

 

The Supraphon sonics aren’t demonstration class, but remain very good. The recording favors the treble end of the spectrum, occasionally affecting the strings, but overall isn’t a problem. Some of the solo brass wobble isn’t to my liking either, but these are fleeting moments.

Listen on YouTube

Works
Symphony 9

  I. 26.40
 II. 15.04
III. 13.23
IV. 23.27

Performers
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Karel Ancerl, conductor

Label: Decca
Year: 1966 / 2004
Total Timing: 78.53

A classic account of Mahler's Symphony no. 9 that, while not perfect, is an easy recommendation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find more Mahler recordings HERE!