Album: Mahler/Cooke, Symphony No 10 – Wiener Philharmoniker/ Harding (Deutsche Grammophon)

In the interview that accompanies this recording of Deryck Cooke's performing edition of Mahler's Tenth Symphony, Daniel Harding bridles at the notion that older conductors have the advantage in this repertoire, most particularly in music written at the end of the composer's life.

Yet there is a sense that Harding's stamina is less certain than his appetite. The Tenth is always an uncomfortable listen – too raw, too naked – and Harding does not spare the horses in the "scream chord". Bold and dramatic, his performance nonetheless lacks control, and the portamenti are notably untidy. AP