Mahler: Symphony No. 9

Tilson Thomas immediately establishes a profoundly rapt atmosphere, and the orchestra take what can best be described as a bel canto approach, singing their lines with warmth and poised intensity.... — Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010 More…

Release Date: 23rd May 2005
Catalogue No: SFS0007
Label: SFS Media
Series: Michael Tilson Thomas Mahler cycle
Length: 89 minutes

Usually despatched in 4 - 6 working days

Work length1:29:05

Album only

San Francisco Symphony
Michael Tilson Thomas

I. Andante comodo

Track length30:23

Album only

II. Im Tempo eines gemächlichen Ländlers

Track length17:03

Album only

III. Rondo burleske

Track length13:55

$2.00

$2.80

$3.50

IV. Adagio

Track length27:44

Album only

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2010

Tilson Thomas immediately establishes a profoundly rapt atmosphere, and the orchestra take what can best be described as a bel canto approach, singing their lines with warmth and poised intensity. In keeping with this, the conductor allows the players considerable rhythmic freedom. Yet one always senses a firm hand on the tiller, and the music is never pulled out of shape, as sometimes seems the case in, say, Bernstein's later recording for DG.
Some may feel that there's insufficient grit or angst here, and certainly the second movement ländler is hearty rather than coarse and the Rondo-Burleske could sneer more viciously – though the thrilling accelerando in the latter movement's coda is likely to get one's adrenalin pumping. But, to be fair, Tilson Thomas doesn't entirely neglect the music's darker qualities, and these often creep into one's consciousness rather subtly.
The interpretation's lasting impression, however, is one of lyrical radiance. In the symphony's final pages, Tilson Thomas tenderly holds the melodic shards together so one hears the song continue, even through the silences. And the evanescent glow of the strings at the end – like the last glimmer of light immediately after sunset – is not so much wistful as consolatory. An unusually moving experience, then, and one that marks yet another high point in this continuing cycle.

Awards Issue 2005

…a most beautiful Ninth with playing of tremendous warmth and poise.

Mahler: Symphony No. 9

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