How a predominantly sun-drenched work can be totally overwhelming. Conductor François-Xavier Roth succeeds with his orchestra Les Siècles; the Fourth Symphony by Gustav Mahler pops into your ears.
With its historic (late 19th century) set of instruments, which in addition to the usual sharpness and bite have a veiled softness, the orchestra makes the intimate symphony even more chamber music than it already is. Roth maintains a high tempo in the first part, emphasizing that the pastoral moments of relaxation are only temporary. Screaming clarinets and flutes announce ghosts; death with its ludicrous false fiedel is after you in the second part.
The peacefulness in part three – with subtle seduction in hoarse oboes and rustling strings – makes Roth become increasingly glassy. The tempo changes become more abrupt. And then: ‘Wir geniess die himmlischen Freude’. With Sabine Devieilhe’s light soprano, after all the obstacles you are in a place where all is well.
Les Siecles
Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 4
Classic
★★★★ ren
Harmonia Mundic
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