Mahler's Fifth Symphony remains one of his most popular and has received several interesting recordings of late. This latest offering from the enterprising German label Farao Classics has the legendary Zubin Mehta at the helm and he can be relied on to provide the goods in this colourful work. Having already recorded an excellent Third for this label, Mehta relishes the challenges which the Fifth provides especially after the stirring opening horn call and the dashing First movement. recorded in superb SACD sound which should provide the added bonus for those who are sound buffs.
Mehta's Adagietto is also beautifully done with very little extra sentimentality creeping in. The Rondo Finale is also engaging although here I prefer Karajan and Abbado (both DG) for sheer technical brilliance. However this is an excellent new recording of an evergreen work recorded in superb SACD sound which should provide the added bonus for those who are sound buffs.
Copyright © 2009, Gerald Fenech