Review: Gielen's Mahler Sixths--for Diehards Only

These are not the versions of Mahler 6th in Gielen's superb complete cycle, but rather two very different interpretations from opposite ends of his career. Fans will rejoice, sort of (SWR Klassik)

[@GastonBulbous]

Of course, your remarks just made me have to have this, so I immediately ordered it. The slow 6th in modern sound is sumptuous. It’s like Segerstam’s exceedingly slow 6th on Chandos without the dogged weirdness. I feel as if Gielen really set out to leave us a definitive *mainstream* statement on this work, meticulous, detailed and not overly “interpreted”. It doesn’t sound cold or nihilistic, it just sounds like good Mahler and it really conveys the Tragic Hero’s story arc in music. I actually kind of prefer this now to the “official” recording in Gielen’s Mahler cycle. I own about a dozen Mahler 6ths by about 10 different conductors, and I would put this in the top 3. Thanks again for turning me on to a lovely and interesting recording I would have never dreamed of buying otherwise.

[@elmarjoura4699]

I was present at the concert in 2013 and I was struck from the first bar. One of the greates concerts I ever attended- for me a definitive recording, summing up what Gielen had to say about Mahler...

[@AlexMadorsky]

Just picked up the complete Gielen cycle on CD and I can’t wait to dive in (to a complete, bleak depression).

[@jakobpetropoulos8850]

Just ordered the cycle, I can't wait...

[@alfredolabbe]

Dear Mr. Hurwitz: Thanks again! I am listening the second (long) Gielen Mahler's Sixth and loving it. Yes! I have and LOVE the Barbirolli (pity he seemed to have spent some of his energy in the Finale). Of course I have other versions, too (in fact, 15 of them). I must confess having a preference for measured tempi, when they serve expression and depth: I learned Mahler Seventh in the Klemperer/New Philharmonia version!. We, multilateral diplomats dealing in International Security and Arms Control need PATIENCE. Was not our Claudio Arrau who said "Speed is the enemy of passion" ? By the way, you know Mahler Seventh with the Berlin Philharmonic and Gielen, live, in Testament. Greetings from Santiago and take care, please; we need you!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Thank you very much for your kind words. I agree with everything you say. BTW, I did review the Gielen Mahler 7th. Here's a link to the review: www.classicstoday.com/review/gielen-makes-berlin-philharmonic-really-play-mahler/?search=1 (it is an ""Insider" review for subscribers only. Summary: I loved it--a great performance.

[@alfredolabbe]

@@DavesClassicalGuide I am a very happy subscriber :) !!

[@JB-dm5cp]

Most impressive. (The 2013 recording.) To my feeling he Andante should indeed be placed third though, and for different reasons, for as far as I have been told. (If I'm not mistaken some people dismiss the strong argument for the placement of the Andante as the third movement by saying it is just by hearsay from Alma Mahler via Willem Mengelberg, but I think dismissing it on that ground alone is intellectually dishonest.)