My Wish List
PTC5187021
Originally recorded in 2021
Classical
Orchestral & Concertos
This item is temporarily unavailable.
About
After their critically-acclaimed recording of Mahler’s Fourth Symphony, the Czech Philharmonic and Semyon Bychkov continue their Pentatone Mahler cycle with a rendition of the composer’s Fifth. The Fifth Symphony marks an important turning point in Mahler’s symphonic output, away from the prominence of vocal movements in his previous symphonies. And whereas the Fifth seems to follow a teleology from darkness to light like its predecessors, the trajectory is much less straightforward, and full of enigmatic turns. Bychkov’s exceptional eye for detail and pacing make him an ideal guide through this work, while the Czech Philharmonic is capable of letting all the colors of Mahler’s score shine. The Czech Philharmonic is one of the world’s most acclaimed orchestras, with a rich tradition of performing Czech masters and music from Central Europe. Semyon Bychkov has led the greatest orchestras of the world, and is Chief Conductor and Music Director of the Czech Philharmonic as of the 2018/2019 season. Orchestra and maestro made their Pentatone debut with a recording of Mahler’s Fourth Symphony (2022), kicking off a complete Mahler cycle.
Please login to post a review
Reviews
“… I was impressed by the first instalment in this new Mahler cycle but this account of the Fifth is, if anything, even finer. This is a distinguished account of the Fifth which whets my appetite for further releases, for which I hope we won’t have to wait too long.”
*** Good Album
The 10 best classical records of 2022
1. “My record of the year is the Czech Philharmonic and its music director Semyon Bychkov’s Mahler Symphony No 5, for an orchestral sound so sumptuous that you could eat it for Christmas dinner… Fabulous.”
“…Bychkov’s version opens up a very different way of seeing this virtually ubiquitous symphony and he delivers on that vision with great panache and total commitment from all involved. Bychkov has emerged in the last few years as an unmissable conductor and the thought of what he might do with the Sixth symphony after hearing this Fifth has me tingling with anticipation.”
“The real pleasure here lies with the Czech Philharmonic – something characterful and homespun in a world dominated by supersonic. The playing has a warmth and generosity – and brilliance …”
Performance **** Recording *****
Pizzicato Supersonic
“No doubt about it: this is one of the best recordings of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony. Semyon Bychkov spurs his orchestra on to high-intensity music-making…”
“Superb sound and playing but lacking the emotional breadth of the finest accounts.”
Media Downloads
Whenever possible we provide a high resolution CD cover image and a PDF version of the CD booklet for you to download and keep.
These are found in your history if purchased and once you have logged in.
