Absolutely outstanding! I too love this symphony above all his orchestra works. Pappano has an operatic feel for this symphony and reveals real drama in the music and also tender sweetness. His climaxes are so natural sounding and masterful. There is yearning and drive...wonderfully paced.
I could not be more impressed with the orchestra. I've not regarded them highly, but with this performance, they've exhibited real style and a central European/Anglo-American sound combination for which I was unprepared. The symphony performance also has an idiomatic feel to it. I am stunned and hope the BBC puts out this concert (with audience noise and all). I am now compelled to listen to his 2011 recording on EMI with the same orchestra which received fine reviews. This performance goes to the top of my list. Really moving...thanks very much for the tip.
