Mahler – Das Lied von der Erde
Sarah Connolly; Toby Spence; London Philharmonic Orchestra; Yannick Nézet-Séguin
London Philharmonic LPO-0073
This live performance recorded on February 19, 2011 in London is a welcome addition to the extensive discography of outstanding performances of Mahler’s autumnal song cycle, The Song of the Earth. The six movements of the work alternate between tenor and contralto roles, though the latter is sometimes sung by a baritone. The phenomenal English tenor Toby Spence is blessed with a voice of steel, with a bright, ringing tone equal to the challenge of cutting through the massive orchestration of the opening “Drinking Song of Earth’s Misery.” His lusty tone is also equally suited to the mood of “The Drunkard in Spring.” Only the intervening “Of Youth” movement left me a bit disappointed; I would have appreciated more tonal shading in this more reflective music. Nonetheless a voice this powerful in such a taxing role has rarely been heard of late. Mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly maintains these high standards with her beautiful, even sound. The finely shaded intimacy she brings to “Autumn Loneliness” contrasts nicely with her sly account in “Of Beauty,” amazingly well enunciated at such a blistering tempo. The great challenge of the closing “Farewell” is artfully conveyed by her extensive vocal shadings, falling just short of the sublime in the final fading moments.
Yannick Nézet-Séguin ensures every detail of the score is heard yet beautifully balanced and brings a very Mahlerian plasticity of tempo to the work without falling into excess. The sound is closely miked yet spacious with minimal audience interference. Highly recommended.
