Gustav Mahler Symphony No. 5 - Riccardo Chailly, Gewandhausorchester

Accentus Music's new release on DVD/Blu-ray in May/June 2014: As Riccardo Chailly points out, "The Fifth begins with a dark, gloomy, and tragic tone, but then is enlivened in the Scherzo and Adagietto, and eventually ends with a more positive character in the Finale -- perhaps for the last time in Mahler's life. The Adagietto is a revelation, a spiritual oasis. It is not an expression of pain, but rather Mahler's declaration of love to Alma -- a song without words." With the Gewandhaus Orchestra, Chailly gives the piece an unsurpassed intensity of sound and emotional expression. He achieves a compelling arc of tension in which the symphony's unique fascination unfolds. The Wiener Zeitung characterized Chailly's interpretation as „impressive with powerful and unreserved intensity."

Including bonus interview: "Riccardo Chailly on his interpretation of Mahler's 5th symphony"

[ewilson]

Riccardo Chailly is indeed a fine wine. He's gotten better as he aged.