This is a stunning recording of Mahler's Ninth, surely one of the luckiest pieces on disc. Broadly speaking, Alan Gilbert's conception resembles Kurt Masur's New York Philharmonic recording in that his first movement is a bit swifter than usual, and the finale a touch slower (26 minutes each). This works very well: it gives the opening additional flow and a real "quick movement" drama, even though the basic tempo never sounds rushed. Gilbert characterizes every moment superbly: the bell-like solos for harp, the snarling stopped horns, and the soft percussion. The big climax before the final collapse is marvelously shaped, a huge ritard followed by a terrifying plunge over the cliff.

The finale, by contrast, surges onward majestically but inexorably, rising to another volcanic climax, while the islands of stillness in between statements of the main theme are beautifully sculpted, with particularly sensitive attention to dynamics. Much of the extra time that the movement takes gets spent in the coda, very slow and very soft, the music's final disintegration minutely controlled and all the more affecting as a result.

Gilbert's view of the two inner movements is refreshing: they are both, in their different ways, swift and exciting. The three dances in the second movement are well-differentiated, the drunken waltz reaching particularly giddy heights. Gilbert doesn't shirk the vulgarity that Mahler builds into the music, but he doesn't exaggerate it either. The Rondo: Burleske is one of the most exciting performances on disc, the relentless accelerations after the slower central interlude driving the music mercilessly forward to its maniacal conclusion. Kudos to the excellent players of the RSPO, who stay with Gilbert every step of the way.

Indeed the playing throughout really is exceptional. The horns, strings, and solo winds are all excellent. Only the first trumpet disappoints slightly, not on account of the playing as such, but simply because of a relative lack of prominence at a couple of points (thankfully not at the climaxes). Superb sonics make this the Mahler Ninth of choice if you want SACD surround-sound, and getting the whole 82 minutes of music on a single disc makes this a bargain too. Mahler collectors surely will want to hear this recording right away, but less specialized collectors also should give it serious consideration as a prime choice among available Ninths. [10/20/2009]

--David Hurwitz