“In 2015 Reference Recordings released a very recommendable version of Mahler’s 1st Symphony by the Utah Symphony conducted by their Musical Director Thierry Fischer Mahler: Symphony No. 1 – Fischer. That recording taken from live performances given in the orchestra’s home – the Maurice Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City, Utah – showed Fisher’s Mahlerian credentials in a most favorable light and they are now confirmed by this stunningly recorded account of the composer’s mighty 8th Symphony also taken from live performances given in Utah on February 18th and 20th, 2016. In 2015 Reference Recordings released a very recommendable version of Mahler’s 1st Symphony by the Utah Symphony conducted by their Musical Director Thierry Fischer Mahler: Symphony No. 1 – Fischer. That recording taken from live performances given in the orchestra’s home – the Maurice Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City, Utah – showed Fisher’s Mahlerian credentials in a most favorable light and they are now confirmed by this stunningly recorded account of the composer’s mighty 8th Symphony also taken from live performances given in Utah on February 18th and 20th, 2016. Part I comprises Mahler’s setting of the Latin hymn ‘Veni Creator Spiritus’ and here The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, rehearsed seemingly within an inch of their lives, justify their illustrious reputation with committed singing of great precision and power, as do the fifty choristers of the Madeleine Choir School – both choirs displaying impeccable clarity of diction. Fischer’s tempi are attentive to the needs of his singers yet provide the vital propulsive drive. From the imposing opening E flat chord on lower strings, wind and organ, to the blazing antiphonal brass in the jubilant closing bars of this opening section, Fischer’s control of his forces does not falter and yields predictably thrilling results.…”
HR Audio Reviews Utah Symphony’s Mahler Symphony No. 8
Categories : Review