Review of Simon Rattle – Mahler: Sixth Symphony

Simon Rattle has already recorded Mahler's Sixth with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and twice with the Berlin Philharmonic, yet Rattle has perhaps never come so close to the existential power of Mahler's music as he does with this new recording. An almost frenetic undertone can be felt in this live recording from the first note, an urgency evident in every thought and phrase. As you listen, you are drawn into a world of pain and despair – the climax of the hammer blows at the end is as shattering and dry as the blow of an axe – as well as subtle echoes of hope and spiritual solace. Everything is taken to the extreme here, with the brilliant BR Orchestra playing as if it were a matter of life, and the recording technology capturing this magnificent hour at the Isarphilharmonie perfectly. Statement about Mahler.

Mahler: Symphony No. 6

Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Simon Rattle (conductor)
Classic

Simon Rattle

British conductor Sir Simon Rattle was born on January 19, 1955 in the English coastal city of Liverpool. At the age of sixteen, he began studying music at the Royal Academy of Music in London (conducting, drums…more).

Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra

“The Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra is not only brilliant, it has no weaknesses at all.” This is how Maris Jansons once described “his” orchestra, which he led as principal conductor from 2003 to 2019. His successor is the British… Continue