 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: wiclarinet
Date: 2006-07-12 20:44
I'm looking for a boxed set recording of all of Mahler's symphonies - any recommendations? I was looking at the Bernstein, Gielen, Bertini, and Chailly.
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Author: BG ★2017
Date: 2006-07-13 00:04
I am very happy with my Solti/Chicago boxed set.
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Author: hrvanbeek
Date: 2006-07-13 00:33
I'm sorry that I don't have any comments on Mahler recordings but...I noticed you are in Stoughton, WI. I was born there! I very rarely come across anyone who even knows where that is. 
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Author: DAVE
Date: 2006-07-13 01:31
IMHO: The Bernstein recordings are what I call "scrappy", meaning that it can be very rough at times which I like. I think the Solti recordings still get that scrappy quality but with more accuracy and better intonation. I think that both are great and the best possible solution if you want to learn the symphonies is to get a feel for the many recordings available. There are so many interpretations. The only thing I hate to hear is "too accurate" and no passion! I don't think you will get that too much with the well known conductors.
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Author: cigleris
Date: 2006-07-13 07:26
Philharmonia with Sinapoli (think that's how you spell it)
Peter Cigleris
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Author: JessKateDD
Date: 2006-07-13 08:24
I've always been fond of the Kubelik/Bavarian Radio Orchestra set.
My highest recommendation is for the Bruno Walter box set. Though not complete, it has numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, and the Wayfarer songs. It is on the Sony Classical label.
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Author: diz
Date: 2006-07-13 23:49
I would personally go with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Amsterdam under Haitink ... I'm not a fan of Bernstein's interpretations, also hate the Karajan Mahler for similar reasons .
Without music, the world would be grey, very grey.
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Author: JessKateDD
Date: 2006-07-14 06:32
It is interesting reading the differing opinions here. Mahler was a neurotic, and the interpretations of his work are as conflicting as his own warped personality. To some conductors, Mahler was tragic. To others, heroic. Still others emphasize the pastorale mood that is in each of his symphonies.
Even if I did not like his interpretations, I would not diss Bernstein. He did more to champion Mahler's music than any other conductor, save perhaps Walter. His interpretations are highly dramatic, but certainly legitimate.
Karajan was NOT a Mahler conductor, arriving at his music very late in life. His Fifth leaves me cold, in fact. But for the live recording he made of the 9th in 1982, I am willing to forgive him - it is my favorite ninth, possibly the most beautifully played Mahler performance on record.
Post Edited (2006-07-14 06:54)
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Author: robertgh
Date: 2006-07-15 20:56
I'd recommend the Bernstein sets, too. Of course, that still raises the question of which to buy Sony Classics has released Bernstein's ground-breaking early recordings--an attractive and well-priced collection of performances which really sparked the explosion of interest in Mahler in the 60s and 70s. The DG set is also quite appealing but at twice the price of Sony's.
It's also worth taking a close look at the ensembles and solo artists represented in the two collections; you may find yourself leaning toward one 'generation's' roster over the other.
Thanks to the audio samples on sites such as Tower or Amazon you could surf the samples for aural snapshots from the sets though I suppose the "stills' might be an inherently limited way of judging the "full-length film."
I agree with the above observations about the more raw-boned approach that Bernstein could take at times, but that's probably a whole 'nother thread topic entirely. I still like the freshness of the earlier recordings, a kind of exciting exploration of new (to many listeners at that time) musical landscapes. At times the later performances can seem (to me at least) more monumental, slower tempos, greater polish on passages, etc. But that's just a personal perception.
No matter what set or conductor you finally choose, with Mahler you're in for a rich feast. Enjoy!
Post Edited (2006-07-16 00:32)
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Author: Kevin
Date: 2006-07-17 03:22
Mahler is a very well recorded composer. I myself am a fan of the Bernstein/NY cycle. The set on Sony's "Bernstein Century" is just as good as the 3X as pricey set on DG.
Kubelik and Bravarian Radio is also one of the reference points.
I wouldn't be so quick to put down Karajan as a Mahlerian. He had some very fine moments - and possibly the finest being the last movement of the ninth.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2006-07-17 22:44
I always liked the passion of that early Bernstein NY series
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