This is the fourth installment into a projected complete cycle of the symphonies by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) on the Pentatone label, performed by the Czech Philharmonic under the direction of Semyon Bychkov. I must say that the robust, Bohemian sound of the Czech Philharmonic (horns in particular) perfectly harmonizes with Mahler's most folk-inspired, most "ethnic" sounding symphony. Nature and bird calls, hunting horns and marching bands, peasant dances, klezmer music and outbursts of youthful enthusiasm, and most of all profound melancholy, it's all there and all well projected by the orchestra.

Although as we reach the midpoint of this cycle I can't help but feel that conductor Semyon Bychkov is settling into the Mahler sound a little too snugly. As in certain passages of his account of the Symphony No. 2 released in April of this year, there are moments within the more lyrical subjects of the opening movement of the Symphony No. 1 where Bychkov overindulges. To be clear, Mahler's music requires and actually begs for expressive rubato in order to sound right, but not to the point where it feels like pulling boiled taffy. It's not done excessively yet, but looking down the road I fear for what he might impose on the slow final movements of the Third and Ninth symphonies for example. Mind you an ascetic overview from conductors like Pierre Boulez isn't preferable, but Bychkov needn't luxuriate as much here and there. His pacing of the Ländler second movement is exemplary as well as the youthful, muscular energy of the finale.

This is still on course to be a Mahler Symphony Cycle worth hearing, with a sound close to Mahler's inception. Hopefully Semyon Bychkov will conceive the remaining numbers with broader brushstrokes in mind.