Another Mahler Thread: 10th Symphony

[Nachtigall]

Like salymap I do not know the work but might be a potential convert. When the first recording of the Cooke version came out, I remember I deciding point blank that I was not going to be interested in it. Ever since, I have stuck to that rather prejudiced and uncompromising line. However, I've just read through this thread quite carefully and found it fascinating and enlightening (spiced up with some enjoyably spiky interchanges) and have realised that I have probably been missing something worth hearing. We were most impressed when we saw Petrenko at the Proms last Summer and I am now resolved to make a point of tuning in on Thursday.

I'm sure you will be a convert, gurnemanz! Tonight's performance promises to be exceptionally good. Almost exactly two years ago I was at the RFH for Mahler 10 with Petrenko conducting the National Youth Orchestra. It was a searingly intense and an astonishingly emotionally mature performance.

[Wensleydale Blue]

So, how was the performance? I didn't listen to it and its not one of my favourite Mahler symphonies, in fact after the 8th, its my least favourite. Nevertheless, as a Petrenko fan and someone who grew up with the RLPO (well, from 16 until I left home in Cheshire when I was 20) I'm intrigued to see how he handles GM. If its anything like his Shosty cycle I'm sure it'll be well worth catching. Incidentally, has he ever put any mahler down on disc?

[waldo]

Only heard the last movement and thought it was far too slow. Ponderous and dragging. Felt as if it was on the verge of falling apart at several moments.

[salymap]

I don't know whether I shall be converted to this but have just discovered I have BBC MM vol 11 no 12, 1994, Mahler realised Cooke symphony 10, BBC Nat Orch of Wales,/ Wigglesworth. It was in a bag of CDs inherited from a deceased relative and not mostly of much interest to me.

Perhaps I'll give it a spin sometime. Has Cooke altered it further since this ?

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Has Cooke altered it further since this ?

Sadly, Cooke died in 1976, sals, so no further ammendments from him (but one of the Matthews brothers who worked with him has recently decided that a B should be a C# and later some C#s should be naturals; such are the joys of reading composers' handwriting!)

Most recordings of the Cooke performing version include alterations that the conductor thinks might be more "Mahlerian" (and the published version of the score makes clear where Cooke has made suggestions that others might disagree with). Only Wyn Morris recorded the Cooke "as written", as far as I know.

But do play the Wigglesworth, sals; it's a glorious performance and a fine recording.

[Cheapskater]

Sadly, Cooke died in 1976, sals, so no further ammendments from him (but one of the Matthews brothers who worked with him has recently decided that a B should be a C# and later some C#s should be naturals; such are the joys of reading composers' handwriting!)

Most recordings of the Cooke performing version include alterations that the conductor thinks might be more "Mahlerian" (and the published version of the score makes clear where Cooke has made suggestions that others might disagree with). Only Wyn Morris recorded the Cooke "as written", as far as I know.

But do play the Wigglesworth, sals; it's a glorious performance and a fine recording.

Seconded! The Wigglesworth Mahler 10 is a must play. It's absolutely superb

[salymap]

Thanks both, must get a new case/sleeve for it as hinges are broken. I had no idea that a cousin's husband collected from the BBC MM but 'inherited' quite a few, just between the two periods when I was getting it, so no duplications.

[Petrushka]

Seconded! The Wigglesworth Mahler 10 is a must play. It's absolutely superb

And most interesting that the Amsterdam Concertgebouw invited Wigglesworth and the BBC NOW to perform this very work at the 1995 Amsterdam Mahler Festival alongside the likes of Haitink, Rattle, Abbado, Chailly and Muti doing the rest of the cycle with the RCO, VPO and BPO.

[Cheapskater]

And most interesting that the Amsterdam Concertgebouw invited Wigglesworth and the BBC NOW to perform this very work at the 1995 Amsterdam Mahler Festival alongside the likes of Haitink, Rattle, Abbado, Chailly and Muti doing the rest of the cycle with the RCO, VPO and BPO.

Indeed, in most distinguished company.

[Alison]

And didn't their performance merit such inclusion.

Come back home Wiggles !

[salymap]

Oh well, very glad I asked about that Mahler 10 with Wigglesworth. Being SE England bound, I know little about him.

[BBMmk2]

I was at school with MW!!

[Cheapskater]

I was at school with MW!!

I read that they have a very strong musical tradition down in Blandford Sadly, I only know the School of Sigs.
Cheaps.

[Alison]

Was he a good instrumentalist ?

[teamsaint]

I read that they have a very strong musical tradition down in Blandford Sadly, I only know the School of Sigs.
Cheaps.

An outfit which has what must be Britains most inaccessible museum !!