Seiji Ozawa left an estimable Mahler cycle
with Boston Symphony Orchestra in the late 80s and early 90s. These
recordings are still available at a budget price as a part of Decca box
set series.
All are very good (1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, 8th) to
excellent (3rd, 4th, 7th, 9th, 10th Adagio), but with few fortes and
ample chamber music-like passages no other symphony fits better Ozawa's
mild temperament and general tendency to clarify details at the expense
of bringing out power and impact.
So, here it is, a
Mahler Fourth that almost proceeds in the
best of classic Rococo style, full of grace, suaveness, and poetic touches replacing
Mahlerian neurosis and angst. Which is a good thing considering the
entire symphony is tailored to the Finale in which the composer is trying
to convey the Life in Heaven.
The playing and sound couldn't be
more satisfying. In particular, the Boston strings shine with bucolic
charm and serenity in the great Adagio, while in the Finale Te Kanawa
sings with a lovely, childlike voice.
It gets my 5 out of 5 stars.
