Critic Michael Cookson offers MusicWeb International‘s second review for Thierry Fischer, the Utah Symphony, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s recording of Mahler: Symphony No. 8.
“Any performance of Mahler’s Eighth Symphony ‘Symphony of a Thousand’ is an event, owing to the large orchestral and choral forces plus vocal soloists required to present the work. … The Eighth Symphony is Mahler’s pantheistic vision of life and the universe with which Thierry Fischer here conducts his vast choral and orchestral forces, who are very willing protagonists, to traverse this epic journey with thrilling results. Without wallowing in the lush sound world and delving pedantically into detail, Fischer gives a convincing and secure reading providing a significant drama of heightened intensity and contrasts. In this fiendishly difficult assignment Fischer is in inspired form and holds together these massive forces remarkably well adopting a well-judged pace. Fischer’s skill in building such thrillingly dramatic climaxes is outstanding, with a raw power that at times sounds almost barbaric. The players are to be applauded for their dedication in a striking performance…
Fischer’s eight soloists perform quite splendidly. I especially enjoyed the attractive tone of baritone Markus Werba (Pater ecstaticus) and the bright, expressive and potent voice of tenor Barry Banks (Doctor Marianus) in this challenging role. The resonant and sturdy tone of bass Jordon Bisch is outstanding in the Pater Profundus crowning his performance with the words, ‘O Gott! beschwichtige die Gedanken, Erleuchte mein bedürftig Herz!’ (O God, soothe my thoughts, enlighten my needful heart). A special highlight is soprano Amy Owens, singing the two lines of Mater Gloriosa (the Virgin Mary) with reverential beauty. Soprano Celena Shafer excels as Una Poenitentium (formally Gretchen), and is in excellent voice both appealing and expressive.
Recorded at Salt Lake Tabernacle, the Soundmirror team from Boston on this hybrid SACD has worked wonders with the challenges of this work and location, proving clarity, presence and satisfying balance. The booklet notes are as good as I have come to expect from the Reference Recordings label containing a helpful essay, biographies of the conductor, principal soloists, orchestra and choruses and most importantly sung texts with English translations.… This recording from Salt Lake City is an impressive achievement with Thierry Fischer and his performers providing a compelling and memorable sense of occasion.”