The Mahler Album

(…) a well-thought out programme (…) The lonely viola solos are sensitively done, and many other interwoven solos demonstrate more clearly how very contrapuntal this movement is, as the texture is opened and placed on display. Most convincing, then, and despite having a number of performances of the full Symphony 10's, I shall find myself more than willing to listen to this excerpt. (…) An intriguing look at some of Mahler's work from unusual points of view, and attractive for that; well worth investigating.

(…) a well-thought out programme (…) The lonely viola solos are sensitively done, and many other interwoven solos demonstrate more clearly how very contrapuntal this movement is, as the texture is opened and placed on display. Most convincing, then, and despite having a number of performances of the full Symphony 10's, I shall find myself more than willing to listen to this excerpt. (…) An intriguing look at some of Mahler's work from unusual points of view, and attractive for that; well worth investigating.

Mahler op z’n Mahlerst (…) Een van de beste strijkorkesten is het, Amsterdam Sinfonietta. (…) Er wordt excellent en intens gemusicieerd.

This is a wonderful concept, perfectly realized.

These players really dig into the music, and the lack of woodwind and brass timbre is much less problematic than you might suspect when the playing is so fine. Thank Candida Thompson and her exceptionally musical team.

Sonics are state-of-the-art in all formats, as we have come to expect from this label. A project like this, not so well executed, easily could have sounded gimmicky, but this is a pleasure from first note to last.

(…) Nice performances, stunning recording.

The impact and drama of the opening Allegro con brio and the third movement Allegro assai vivace ma serioso are both high-octane and potently performed in this recording. The depth of expression elsewhere is as good as one could hope for. Have a listen to the opening of the final movement, the initial Larghetto espressivo section is beautifully shaped. (…) What the Amsterdam Sinfonietta does so effectively is keep that extra in reserve, so that when the moments of highest drama and deepest terror arise they are delivered with the maximum effect possible.

(...) The Amsterdam Sinfonietta makes exquisitely beautiful sounds on this superbly recorded Channel Classics SACD (...)

(...) Thompson and her players give a heartfelt, expressive performance; and the smaller ensemble makes the details of Mahler’s inner lines easier to follow. (...) The performance is compelling, even gripping (...) this performance builds a convincing case for the work as a free-standing addition to the string orchestra repertory.

(...) I am glad to report that this arrangement captures most of what we like to hear in a proper performance, and is well played and passionately presented. (...) Channel’s wonderful surround sound ended up defeating any objections that might have been forming in my mind. (...)

(...) an exceptional interesting and coherent program. (...)