A dark horse of Mahler First, Macal's account reeks with total
conviction from start to finish, whether it's in the wonderfully mystic
opening bars, fleet-footed Scherzo, or the surprisingly charged Finale
whose interlude still sounding opulently and dreamily poetic. Enormously
adding to the conductor's exemplary leadership is the always great
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in their top form. Just listen to the
hopping horns following all the tricky notes in the Finale, the smoothly
burning strings, or the woodwinds with that characteristically 'nasal' -
some might call it 'Czechoslovakian' - tone. You will never hear
another orchestra so perfectly and effortlessly tuned to the unique
sound world of Gustav Mahler. On this recording alone, they can claim
the position of one of the greatest Mahler orchestras in the world.
The sound in SACD format is warmly spacious and drop-dead gorgeous, to say the least.
So, here it goes, my 5 out of 5 star recommendation.