Mariss Jansons’ live Mahler 7 from Bavaria wasn’t very good, but this live version from Oslo is distinctly better. Not only does the orchestra seem to have a better handle on the music, especially in the finale, but Jansons’ interpretation doesn’t indulge to quite the same degree in “stop and go” antics in the latter movements. The result has more energy and flow. Unfortunately, Jansons still slows down far too much for the first movement’s second subject–but even here he projects his interpretation with greater confidence and conviction. Noteworthy points on detail include a second Nachtmusik with the guitar and mandolin particularly well caught, and a conclusion to the finale that has all the necessary raucous clangor.
The audience is mostly very quiet, making this the Jansons Mahler 7 of choice (so far). I still have a hard time dealing with the trend of orchestras to self-produce recordings in an era when conductors have no loyalty to their ensembles and play the same works each season at their various engagements as music directors or guest conductors. The resulting duplication of repertoire will ensure that recorded classical music remains an essentially valueless commodity for the foreseeable future.
