Alex Mackinder / Recenzijas

It was in this movement particularly that I felt Alex Mackinder had really got to grips with Mahler’s enormous structure, as the mood gradually brightened, the dark clouds parted and radiant brass shone through. It was a cathartic moment, albeit brief before the darkness descended again in a muted trumpet and an ominous stillness in the final timpani strokes. The third movement didn’t always hang together, but the big horn tunes were powerfully emotional, particularly in the achingly lovely passage accompanied by the strings. The pizzicato section provided a nice moment of calm, and the waltz was full of joy.