MAHLER/R. STRAUSS
Symphony No. 3 Death and Transfiguration
Norma Procter (a); Ambrosian Singers, Wandsworth School Boys’ Choir; London Symphony/Jascha Horenstein High Definition Tape Transfers (1970, CD; 24/192 download). Harold Lawrence, prod.; Jerry Bruck, eng.
At the 1970 session that resulted in Unicorn’s well-known Mahler Third, engineer and Mahlerian Jerry Bruck was also invited to record it, using his own mikes and setup. HDTT’s release is the same performance as the old Unicorn release, but a completely different recording.
Right from the start, the startling presence of the unison horns tell us this will be a fresh experience. Numerous quiet interior parts, like the little buried marching motive, enliven the textures. The graceful minuet comes to vibrant, lustrous life. Images of woodwind
