Mugshot and Fingerprints please...

 

I'm not sure I have figured out this cover.

Is there an investigation? Is a fingerprint whorl an inevitability of life? Will Jessica Fletcher locate the murderer in Cabot Cove, Maine?!?

No matter. This is a lovely recording of Das Lied von der Erde.

Alice Coote is a sensitive singer who highlights Mahler's texts wonderfully. Burkhard Fritz is a heroic tenor who needs no urging towards energy.

Best of all, Pentatone highlights all of the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra in terrific sonics.

Not long after this performance, Pentatone releases another recording of this same work, with Vladimir Jurowski and the Berlin RSO. Some view it as overtaking this fine effort, others not so much. What I can offer, is, it is a very fine modern account of Mahler's vocal symphony.

A review from 2024


Reviews of Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde are all but moot, for the work relies heavily on solo voice, and tastes will vary greatly on personal preferences of voice types.

British Mezzo-soprano Alice Coote has been venerated as the best thing since Dame Janet Baker and Christa Ludwig. Her voice is much brighter than those two, but I think it her way with texts might be where the comparisons begin. Thankfully, she isn't afraid to dig into her chest voice, an aspect I appreciate greatly.


Coote certainly gives the Beauty movement a certain coquettishness, even if Marc Albrecht takes things a little slowly. Her range of dynamics in the long final movement fits within a rather narrow range, and I think this aids making sure the finale isn’t too syrupy, but I wouldn’t be surprised if some found it underplayed.


German Heldentenor Burkhard Fritz is not an effortless sounding tenor. Any lyricism is given over to heroics, an aspect I ultimately don’t mind. He doesn’t carry the emotional aspects of the piece, but contrasts nicely with Coote.


The best attributes from the Netherlands PO is enhanced by Pentatone’s X-ray sonics. Every instrumental color comes out for all to hear. There are orchestral textures, sounds, and balances which go unnoticed in other recordings. True, the final tam-tam strokes are extremely subtle, but this is more the exception. Marc Albrecht seems a sympathetic leader, if not as standout as classic accounts.


I could see many making this recording their preferred account of Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde. It is aptly sung, and the production is excellent.

 

 Listen on YouTube

 

Works
Das Lied von der Erde

  I. 8.18
 II. 9.41
III. 3.01
IV. 7.40
 V. 4.29
VI. 29.50

Soloists
Alice Coote, mezzo-soprano
Burkard Fritz, tenor

Performers
Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra
Marc Albrecht, conductor

Label: Pentatone
Year: 2013
Total Timing: 63.03

 

 
Some compare this with Klemperer and others.

I am not so sure I could make such a leap, but it is a very fine outing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find more Mahler recordings HERE!