Mahler 10 from Deryck Cooke

 

Eugene Ormandy's performance marks the first commercial recording of Deryck Cooke's realization of Mahler's Symphony no. 10.

Cooke added more corrections not too long after this recording, so very few have used this first performing iteration.

That makes this Ormandy recording from 1965 all the more treasurable. Add to this the wonderful Philadelphia Orchestra from that time, and you have something really special.

Depending on who you talk to, Ormandy is the absolute best conductor or the absolute worst. As to Mahler 10, some feel the conductor simply gives a straight-ahead reading of this music without much thought of shaping lines, while others believe this recording stands as the best option of the work still today.

As far as my thoughts, I think it certainly stands as a testament of Cooke's early version and as a premier-of-sorts, with orchestra and conductor exploring unknown territory with enthusiasm. I wouldn't want to be without it, but Cooke's second version is different enough to want that as well.

Either way, I do like Sony's Great Performances sonic update, for it catches the ensemble in great form.

A review from 2024


Mahler scholar Deryck Cooke made three performing realizations of Mahler’s 10th Symphony. Eugene Ormandy’s 1965 recording represents the first such performing edition, and it stands as one of very few performances which have used that first edition before Cooke came back and made more significant corrections.


You really get a sense of conductor and orchestra exploring the unknown in this recording. Working from a blank slate can be an intimidating feat, but Eugene Ormandy and Philadelphia do so with great enthusiasm and endless skill. The 2006 Great Performances upgrade is well worth it, for the many colors from the orchestra come through clearly.


If nothing else, this recording stands as a monument to what was a great experiment on Deryck Cooke’s part. I think the end result is praiseworthy, even if this is a hybrid of Mahler and Cooke

 

Listen on YouTube

 

Works
Symphony 10

  I. 21.43
 II. 11.18
III. 4.10
IV. 11.27
 V. 21.34

Performers
Philadelphia Orchestra
Eugene Ormandy, conductor

Label: Sony
Year: 1965 / 2006
Total Timing: 70.15

 

 

A classic account in a version of Mahler's Symphony no. 10 which nobody does anymore.

It is exciting to hear these performers explore the unknown, and how others have interpreted the work from this progenitor.

 

 

 

 

 

Find more Mahler recordings HERE!