Gerard Schwarz and the
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic continue their series of recordings of
Mahler's symphonies with this 2006 performance of the Sixth, the so-called "Tragic." On the surface it's an acceptable recording.
Schwarz capably balances the work's textures and controls its progress, and the Liverpool musicians likewise bring solid technique to their work; there are no glaring errors or blown entrances to be heard here. But there also isn't much drama. The work's relentless developments sound unfocused in
Schwarz's hands, and there is a conspicuous lack of weight, muscle, and thrust in the Liverpool's sound. The score's frequent solos are played without the sense of personal involvement and persuasion evident in the work's finest recordings, and the tuttis sound oddly reserved, as if all involved are trying to be somewhat polite with a work that should really bowl you over at its climaxes. Listeners who already know the Sixth are likely to be disappointed, and listeners who don't already know it are advised to seek out versions by
Bernstein and the
Wiener Philharmoniker,
Karajan with the
Berliner Philharmoniker, and
Solti with the
Chicago Symphony. This one will be interesting primarily to those who follow
Schwarz's career. Artek's digital sound is loud and vivid, but lacking in subtly and nuance.