Mahler 4 / Berg: 7 Early Songs

Riccardo Chailly, the renowned conductor, presents a captivating interpretation of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 4 in G major, coupled with Alban Berg's "7 Early Songs," in this 2000 release from Decca Music Group Ltd. The album showcases the collaboration between Chailly, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and soprano Barbara Bonney, offering a blend of operatic and classical orchestral music that spans a little over an hour.

Chailly's approach to Mahler's Fourth Symphony is described as relaxed and genial, highlighting the composer's more accessible and lyrical side. The symphony's four movements, characterized by their leisurely tempos and contemplative moods, are brought to life with clarity and precision. Chailly's conducting is praised for its weighty, clear-sighted reading, supported by the orchestra's superlative playing and the recording's resonant yet detailed sound quality.

The album also features Berg's "7 Early Songs," a set of vocal works that showcase the composer's early exploration of tonality and lyricism. Barbara Bonney's soprano voice is a standout feature, delivering these songs with sensitivity and nuance.

This album is a testament to Chailly's ongoing Mahler cycle, offering a fresh perspective on one of the composer's most beloved symphonies. The combination of Mahler's symphonic masterpiece and Berg's early vocal works makes for a compelling listen, showcasing the depth and variety of early 20th-century classical music.