CD REVIEW
"Mahler Symphony No. 6," London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev (LSO Live).
Gergiev's debut disc with the London Symphony Orchestra is also his first Mahler recording. It's a high-risk venture. Any conductor broaching the Sixth Symphony in London begs comparison with the incandescent Klaus Tennstedt and with a more controlled though profoundly moving Mariss Jansons on an LSO release in 2002.
Gergiev is high-energy, as you'd expect, and big on contrast -- very satisfying in the shift from full industrial roar to the tinkling of cowbells. The supercharged orchestra makes a stunning noise, and the accuracy is pinpoint. Something, though, is missing. It could be that the hard-driven opening lacks enough of the ominous, or that too many solo effects are singled out for listener appreciation, but the performance as a whole lacks philosophy. At no point does Gergiev impart Mahler's battle with the Sixth, his attempt to balance midlife success with dark forebodings -- an inner war so fierce he could not decide on premiere night which order the movements should play.
This is an impressive concert. An interpretation awaits.
NORMAN LEBRECHT, (LONDON) EVENING STANDARD
