Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #72163 in DVD
• Released on: 2000-08-01
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Classical, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English, French, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 75 minutes

Amazon.com
Daniel Barenboim's performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 5 begins with a certain sense of detachment and continues that way, seeming both calculated and calculating by turns. The composer's famous aphorism about the process of symphonic composition being in the nature of "building a world" is quoted in the excellent and detailed booklet notes (no shortage of scholarship here), so it's intriguing to observe how Barenboim chooses to contain the warmth and passion inherent in the work. In building a world, perhaps, one must perforce define its boundaries, yet at the same time it's this very process of containment that draws attention to these qualities. Musically, then, this is undoubtedly an interesting piece of work. In production terms, we're offered a very good argument for the DVD as a vehicle for orchestral performance. What may appear at first glance to be irritatingly skittish camerawork is in fact a perfect demonstration of how careful direction can draw attention to particular areas of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at exactly the right musical moment. The sound quality, though aggressively digital, is airy and detailed. --Roger Thomas, Amazon.co.uk

Customer Reviews

Good Performance
This is a good performance of Mahler's 5th by the Chicago Symphony with Daniel Barenboim conducting. I believe it is the same performance on the CD they released. The Chicago Symphony is on tour in Cologne in the video. The brass do a standout job, along with the rest of the orchestra. Barenboim takes the last movement a little slow, but it still sounds very good. There are a few places where I don't like the interpretation of Barenboim, but overall a very good performance. And at the end, the principal trumpet and horn, Adolph Herseth and Dale Clevenger, are honored with flowers by Barenboim. They are very well deserved, for their performance that night and throughout their careers. They are two of the best brass players in the world. A must see performance.

Beautiful, Passionate, the CSO DELIVERS!
I love Mahler! I have at least three recordings of every symphony and enjoy what each concuctor/director brings out of this composer's genius. However, watching the Fifth performed by the CSO is a real treat. I believe the brass in the CSO still sets the standard for orchestral playing. In fact in the first few bars you will see why Adolf Herseth is heralded as THE greatest orchestral trumpeter of all time. His playing is technically flawless and beautifully passionate. He IS the best. The entire orchestra is warm, rich and vibrant. I enjoyed every aspect of this performance. The interpretation is extremely romantic yet not overdone and the playing is tremendous. Brass players MUST see this performance; however, woodwind and string players will love this as well. Is there a better clarinetist than Larry Combs? This is a fabulous performance. Don't miss it!

Horn Players- A MUST HAVE!!!!
This is by far my favorite recording of Mahler 5. Best of all, the camera work is done, for the most part, in an intelligent manner. When different sections or players have exposed or prominent parts, the camera is focused on them. I would have liked to see a little more of the other players in the sections besides the principal players and those near them, but with the wonderful quality of the DVD, I can't really complain. If you are a Brass player/afficionado, this disc is a must have, especially for horn players. Clevenger leads the section to absolutely amazing heights, and his solo passages show a sensitivity and musicality that never fails to raise goosebumps every time I listen to/watch this DVD. ...