Mahler: Symphony No. 7

Mahler: Symphony No. 7

This, Mahler's weirdest symphony, is also his most formally perfect. It was this performance that first conveyed to many listeners the true stature of the music, and it remains on balance a prime recommendation. Because Mahler is best known for his brilliant orchestration and hyperemotional sensitivity, it's easy to forget just how well put together his symphonies are. This one, for example, has five movements symmetrically arranged around the creepy central scherzo. The two outermost movements are thematically related, and the next two on either side of the scherzo both have the title "Night Music." What Leonard Bernstein does better than just about anyone else is to present with compelling logic and balance the symphony's musical progression from darkness to light. Poise was not generally regarded as one of Bernstein's strengths. Untrue. Just listen here. <I>--David Hurwitz</I>