Osmo Vanka Archive

MAHLER: Symphony #5 – Osmo Vanska and the Minnesota Orchestra – BIS 

by Audiophile Audition | Aug 18, 2017 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

Mahler Symphony #5 – Osmo Vanska and the Minnesota Orchestra – BIS  5.0 Hybrid SACD BIS 2226 – TT:75:30 (8/4/17) *** (performance) **** (sonics): An out of the mainstream interpretation with fine sonics This new recording of the Mahler 5th is the beginning of a projected Mahler series from BIS, the Minnesota Orchestra and conductor Osmo Vanska. There are plenty of fine Mahler Fifths around, including my favorite by Bernstein recorded in the 80s, as well as those of Chailly and Dudamel, for whom I have an affinity For this new recording I’m honestly a bit conflicted. I find the first movement detailed but slow. I can’t say it is lifeless, but I think it lacks energy. The remaining four movements recover some, but overall this enthralling symphony doesn’t enthrall me in this performance. Some reviewers have been quite taken with this disc, but it’s not an interpretation that would cause me to abandon my favorites. No complaints about the Minnesota Orchestra. It’s a fine ensemble that has been underrated for years. This Mahler is a difficult piece to perform, and the Minnesotans are in fine form. My conflict arises from the quality of the recording. It’s marvelous, revealing details […]