Mahler Symphony No 4 Synfrancisco Symphony Michael Tilson Thomas 2003 Lossless New →

A playful, Haydn-esque opening with sleigh bells.

from September 24–28, 2003. This "new" release from that era is a cornerstone of the orchestra's Grammy-winning Mahler cycle on their in-house label, Performance Overview : Features soprano Laura Claycomb A playful, Haydn-esque opening with sleigh bells

is widely considered a benchmark in their award-winning Mahler cycle. Recorded live at Davies Symphony Hall Recorded live at Davies Symphony Hall (Deliberately, do

(Deliberately, do not hurry) [17:34] The symphony famously opens with the gentle jingling of sleigh bells and a simple, rustic melody in the violins. Tilson Thomas takes Mahler’s opening tempo marking very seriously, unfurling the movement with a laid-back, conversational ease. Critics praised his ability to "walk the tightrope between innocence and sophistication". The orchestra's woodwinds are particularly splendid, adding vibrant color and a sense of playful chamber music, while the strings produce a rich, warm, "Old World" sound that references legendary conductors like Bruno Walter. The SFS violins maintain a long, sustained high note in the slow movement that seems to stretch into infinity before gently descending. The orchestra's woodwinds are particularly splendid