As we reach the midway point of our peregrination through this ongoing Gustav Mahler symphony cycle with the Czech Philharmonic (awarded Gramophone's Orchestra of the Year Award for 2024) conducted by Semyon Bychkov, it's safe to say that so far, aside from a few minor quibbles about instrumental micromanagement during the performance of Symphony No. 2, that this is well on its way to being a cycle worth having.

Based on what I hear in this performance, I think it would be safe to assume that Mahler's Symphony No. 3 in D minor is one of Bychkov's favorites. He brings out all of its finer details whilst maintaining a firm grip on the wider perspective. For example, while some other accounts have presented the beautiful horn solo within the Scherzo movement as forlorn and sad, here it's imbued with a carefree and illumined character that befits the overall sunny disposition of the movement. Semyon Bychkov slips into the Sehr langsam - Misterioso fourth movement based on introspective text by Nietzsche with trepidation, as if not to unhinge what lies inside. And contralto Catriona Morison's darkly expressive voice perfectly imparts the gravity of its dire message. I was concerned that Bychkov might overindulge and wallow within the final movement's sublime moments but instead, allows the music to unfold naturally with aptly judged forward momentum. And from the 18:00 mark onward, all the musicians join forces to lead us to one of the most uplifting endings in all of music.

If you haven't yet jumped into this cycle, now may be a good time to test the waters. I for one can't wait to see what Semyon Bychkov will bring to light within the remaining mature, darker symphonies.