Mahler: Symphony No. 7 (Live)

For all its compelling and atmospheric qualities, Mahler’s Seventh is probably the most ambiguous of his symphonies. From its mysterious first chord—the aural equivalent of standing at a murky crossroads—it takes a brave conductor to commit themselves to a narrative which does more than highlight Mahler’s tremendous sense of instrumental colour and atmosphere. Gianandrea Noseda is such a conductor, leading the National Symphony Orchestra in this riveting live performance at the Kennedy Center concert hall. In the first of the two “Nachtmusik” movements (track 2), the standard moody yet mellifluous horn solo is replaced here with a bold, brassy fanfare. It’s more perhaps in line with the movement’s tempo marking of “Allegro” (“lively” or “bright”). Certainly that’s the character (rather than the usual dreamy atmosphere) conveyed by the string playing heard a bit later. So altogether, this is an interpretation full of character and confidence, as well as plenty of echoes and foreshadowings of works by other composers. The first movement builds to a passage of Bruckner-like grandeur just before the funeral theme returns; and the stealthy and nightmarish dance of the central “Scherzo” movement surely inspired Prokofiev with its blend of the quirky and menacing. This is a journey you won’t quickly forget.