The appetite of the music loving public for Mahler symphonies, whether in the concert hall or on disc, shows no sign of diminishing. It would seem that every maestro in command of a quality symphony orchestra wants to put their own interpretive stamp on the composer’s nine completed symphonies as well as, in some cases, the unfinished number 10. Even as I write this review there are at least two new complete cycles of these works underway to further tempt the prospective purchaser.

In the liner notes accompanying his new recording of Mahler’s 7th Symphony with his Washington based National Symphony Orchestra Gianandrea Noseda writes “It’s always difficult for me to decide which work stands out among Mahler’s symphonies. Whenever I conduct one, I always feel that that one is the greatest. After recording the Seventh with the superb artistry of the NSO musicians, I formed a special bond with it for the moment, the Seventh holds a very dear place in my heart and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.” Whether this impressive release anticipates a complete Mahler cycle remains to be seen, but even to seasoned collectors of this composer’s works it certainly warrants attention.

Noseda’s way with Mahler is most persuasive, above all for the qualities of discipline, precision, and sheer virtuosity he draws from the National Symphony Orchestra. The playing throughout is scrupulously prepared, rhythmically taut, and executed with a clarity that allows Mahler’s densely layered writing to register vividly. Noseda’s meticulous attention to detail yields real rewards, particularly in a work as elusive and structurally challenging as the Seventh, and he executes his interpretive choices with unwavering conviction.

The opening movement, taken at a purposeful pace, benefits from a confident, full-toned tenor horn whose call sets the music in motion with commanding assurance. Mahler’s note that “Nature roars!” feels wholly apt in this powerful, forward-thrusting account. Noseda shapes the contrasting sections with skill, and the arrival of the second subject brings attractively flexible rubato. Yet some listeners may feel that the magical central episode – one of Mahler’s most enchanted nocturnal visions – falls a little short of the expressive breadth and poetic inwardness that can make this passage truly spellbinding.

The first ‘Nachtmusik’ is resolute and cleanly articulated, though the recording offers slightly less sense of distance in the horn’s echoing calls than is ideal. The Scherzo, brilliantly played and rhythmically immaculate, projects its grotesquerie with bite, even if it stops just short of the sinister, shadow-realm character achieved in some benchmark accounts. The second ‘Nachtmusik’ (Andante amoroso) is warmly phrased and affectionately shaped at a pace that flows naturally, avoiding any hint of sluggishness.

The finale finds Noseda and the NSO at their most exultant. This movement’s riotous parade of ideas – by turns jubilant, bombastic, and tongue-in-cheek – can easily sprawl, but Noseda keeps a firm grip on its disparate episodes. The orchestra responds with thrilling bravura, delivering a jubilant conclusion that never feels merely noisy for its own sake.

The recording on this multi-channel hybrid SACD was undertaken by the experienced team of Blanton Alspaugh (Producer) and Soundmirror’s Mark Donahue (Recording and Mastering Engineer) from live performances given in the Concert Hall of the John F Kennedy Centre (May30-31 and June1, 2024). As in the label’s previous releases, they have captured a stunningly vivid and detailed sound picture with remarkable presence. Mahler’s unusual scoring – including guitar, mandolin, and cowbells – is rendered with ideal perspective, exceptional clarity and definition.

The presentation of this disc could hardly be bettered. It is packaged within a sturdy book that includes excellent programme notes from Thomas May, artist biographies and many interesting and relevant full colour photographs.

Overall, this release stands as another superb testament to Noseda’s assured leadership, the orchestra’s top-flight musicianship and the engineering team’s artistry. It is a worthy addition to the vast Mahler discography and the enduring power of Mahler’s vision.

Copyright © 2025 Graham Williams and HRAudio.net

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