Antonio Pappano is not a conductor I would normally associate with the music of Gustav Mahler, but his recording of the Sixth Symphony (unfortunately never made available for review) is a powerhouse of energy and idiomatic insight, all the more impressive given that the Sixth is not the easiest of Mahler symphonies to get right. It has been captured in vivid sound by the RAI at a concert commemorating the sesquicentennial of Mahler’s death. © 2012 Fanfare

I can’t think of a single performance of any Mahler symphony with an Italian orchestra that has ever made an impression—that is, until now. Pappano gets a certain depth and weightiness of sound out of his orchestra that I never thought possible outside of the best German and Viennese orchestras. The Santa Cecilia strings are rich and luxurious; the brasses have a noble brilliance; the winds are full-bodied; the percussion is powerful and precise; and the EMI recording is spacious and vivid—especially for a concert performance. Back and forth, Pappano presses your emotions to the limit, but without ever sounding episodic—there is always direction, and his phrasing leads from one theme to the next with a real sense of purpose. There is plenty of drama and emotional despair in this reading, and the extremes are impressive. From the most delicate touches of III’s beautiful Adagio to the devastating blows of death in the Finale, Pappano seems eager to push his musicians to give their all, and I think they do.

I can’t say enough about this recording. I had no idea that it would win me over in this way. Let’s hope that there is more Mahler in store for Pappano and the Santa Cecilia Orchestra. Seek out this recording. You won’t be sorry. © 2012 American Record Guide Read complete review on American Record Guide online