G. Mahler Mahler: Symphony No. 4

Leonard Bernstein's earlier recording of this symphony for Sony was, and remains, one of the best. This new one, however, really is something special. As in his recording of the First with this orchestra, Bernstein's tempos have markedly speeded up, especially in the slow movement. He seems to have really discovered the secret of the music's essential innocence, and he now knows exactly when to make a point and when to just let the music speak naturally. The use of a boy soprano in the finale is unique but not unexpected. Mahler himself thought about it but opted for an adult soprano because he believed that this would prove less limiting to future performances of the work. He was right, of course, but so is Bernstein for letting us hear the composer's original thoughts in such a pure and enjoyable form. --David Hurwitz