Classical Editor’s Favourtie Recordings of 2008
All Music Guide (USA)
Gergiev and a lively LSO sweep up the finale bells and whistles with exhilarating energy
The Times
It’s thrillingly played
The Guardian
there is no denying the brilliance of sound and execution he [Gergiev] obtains from the LSO. Gergiev’s interpretationof this wayward and fascinating symphony is exciting he casts quite a spell of lush romanticism
The Sunday Telegraph
Right from the start, with those dark, dragging rhythms, there’s a sense that something special is afoot here … Gergiev charts the whole labyrinthine course with thrilling assurance … and the virtuosity and sensitivity of the London Symphony Orchestra – in solo or ensemble writing, or in rich tuttis -= is a continual exhilarating delight. Hand on heart, I can’t think of another recording of this symphony that not only brings so many of its extraordinary features to life, but ultimately balances them so satisfyingly. Thoroughly recommended."
Disc of the Month
BBC Music Magazine
This is a terrific, gripping performance from Gergiev and the LSO of Mahler’s Seventh Symphony, an edge-of-the-seat experience he [Gergiev] brings an almost palpable darkness, fear and mystery to the three central movements, giving an impression, in the central scherzo, of hot, tormenting laser lights darting in from all angles, and imbues the outer movements with an almost frenzied momentum.
The Times