September 20, 2023

‘Mahler Symphony No.1’ praised by The Sunday Times

  “The orchestra’s magical combination of richness, precision and nuance is instantly in evidence…”

Mahler Symphony No. 1, performed by maestro Semyon Bychkov and Czech Philharmonic, received a wonderful 4-star review by The Sunday Times.

“Following sparkling recordings of the Second, Fourth and Fifth symphonies, the Czech Philharmonic and Bychkov continue their progress towards completion of a full cycle for Pentatone with a superb account of Mahler’s Symphony No 1.  The orchestra’s magical combination of richness, precision and nuance is instantly in evidence, with brass and wind pinpoint and the strings characteristically shimmering and sinuous in the opening movement before making merry in Kraftig bewegt, doch nicht zu schnell.  The control and perfection of Bychkov’s pacing in the third movement, and the way his forces combine in Sturmisch Bewegt with such attack one minute and astonishing fluidity the next, epitomises a reading of beauty and depth.”

DC