Mahler: Symphony No. 3 in D Minor

German conductor Hermann Scherchen (1891-1966) has to be regarded as one of the most underappreciated conductors of the 20th century. He had taught himself to conduct as an autodidact and worked out the most complicated and demanding scores. As an orchestral viola player, he had enough musical experience, which is necessary to guide and direct ensembles. Scherchen was a conductor for unconventional interpretations. A problematic and controversial personality he made a name for himself in the course of his life as an administrator of modern music, conducting many world premieres. Scherchen had an extremely modern understanding of music, which did not coincide with the prevailing sound aesthetic at that time. Also, he often collaborated with second- to third-class orchestras. Nevertheless, he often achieved the best results. It is particularly evident in this recording of the Third Symphony made with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra in October 1950. Gustav Mahler once said: "The best in music is not in the notes". Scherchen's ideal was not the then usual dark or highly polished sound, which blurs everything, softens contrasts and attenuates tensions. He instead strived for a very transparent, audible sound that illuminates and shows all musical processes together with absolute high tension, which he transmitted to the listener. His tempi are fast, but never hectic. The Vienna Symphony Orchestra was undoubtedly not a world-class orchestra at the time, but the instrumental soloists play with characterful soul, and Scherchen achieves fantastic results with these musicians. Alto Hildegard Rossel-Majdans sings Nietzsche's 'Midnight Song' with a warm and well-focused voice. Scherchen's rendition has incredible personality and power.