Mahler: Symphony No. 9; Boulez: Rituel; Notations I-IV, VII (2003)

performed by SWR Baden-Baden and Freiburg Symphony Orchestra, Michael Gielen (conductor)
composed by Gustav Mahler, Pierre Boulez

Several of Michael Gielen's Hänssler releases feature unusual programming, but this double CD of the Symphony No. 9 in D major by Gustav Mahler and two important works by Pierre Boulez is possibly the most arcane match-up of them all. Or at least it seems so until the indirect influence of the older master's austere late style on serialism comes to mind, and the open textures and delicate orchestration of both Mahler and Boulez are pointed out; then the combination is at least understandable on theoretical grounds. And some ... Read More

Several of Michael Gielen's Hänssler releases feature unusual programming, but this double CD of the Symphony No. 9 in D major by Gustav Mahler and two important works by Pierre Boulez is possibly the most arcane match-up of them all. Or at least it seems so until the indirect influence of the older master's austere late style on serialism comes to mind, and the open textures and delicate orchestration of both Mahler and Boulez are pointed out; then the combination is at least understandable on theoretical grounds. And some may argue that the theme of death that dominates Mahler's last completed symphony makes the coupling with Boulez's Rituel in memoriam Bruno Maderna appropriate on a deeply expressive level, though the inclusion of the abstract Notations I-IV and VII is less easily explained. Even so, many listeners will think the programming of a tonal post-Romantic symphony and two atonal avant-garde works goes too far; and some will need convincing that the performance of the symphony is good... Read Less