Mahler: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 9

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 9 in D major
Composed by Gustav Mahler
Performed by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra / Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Andrew Litton, Libor Pesek

2. Symphony No. 1 in D major ("Titan")
Composed by Gustav Mahler
Performed by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra / Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Andrew Litton, Libor Pesek

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Don't sneer at these performances simply because the orchestras and conductors may not be the biggest names. They are both exceptionally fine. Litton's Mahler Symphony No. 1 is a fresh, impetuous performance in the grand Romantic tradition, played with tremendous gusto. Pesek's Ninth is one of the very best around. Not only does the orchestra play like their lives depended on it, the interpretation has numerous imaginative touches--particularly the rapt treatment of the third movement's quiet central section, with its foreshadowing of the melody of the great final Adagio. And best of all, both performances are captured in splendid sound. At budget price, this is a steal and a half. -- David Hurwitz

Tracks:

Sym No.1 'Titan': 1. Langsam. Schleppend - Im Anfang Sehr Gemachlich - Concg O/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.1 'Titan': 2. Kraftig Bewegt, Doch Nicht Zu Schnell - Trio. Recht Gemachlich - Concg O/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.1 'Titan': 3. Feierlich Und Gemessen, Ohne Zu Schleppen - Concg O/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.1 'Titan': 4. Sturmisch Bewegt - Concg O/Leonard Bernstein
Songs Of A Wayfarer: 1. Wenn Mein Schatz Hochzeit Macht - Thomas Hampson
Songs Of A Wayfarer: 2. Ging Heut Morgen Ubers Feld - Thomas Hampson
Songs Of A Wayfarer: 3. Ich Hab Ein Gluhend Messer - Thomas Hampson
Songs Of A Wayfarer: 4. Die Zwei Blauen Augen - Thomas Hampson

Tracks:

Sym No.5: First Part: 1. Trauermarsch. In Gemessenem Schritt. Streng. Wie Ein Kondukt - VPO/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.5: First Part: 2. Sturmisch Bewegt. Mit Grosster Vehemenz - VPO/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.5: Second Part: 3. Scherzo. Kraftig, Nicht Zu Schnell - Friedrich Pfeiffer
Sym No.5: Third Part: 4. Adagietto. Sehr Langsam - VPO/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.5: Third Part: 5. Rondo-Finale. Allegro - Allegro Giocoso. Frisch - VPO/Leonard Bernstein

Customer Reviews:

Late Christmas present.......2007-01-23

Thank you Amazon for this CD. It was well received from my brother in law who is a Mahler Fan. It did arrive sooner than promised from USA and he was delighted when it came in the early new year!
Thank you for the prompt reply I will use this service again.

Mahler-iffic!!!!.......2006-08-16

I have heard that Symphony 1 is considered Mahler's weakest but I find myself listening to this CD over & over.

Movements #2 & #3 are just beautiful to hear. Sound quality is good and it's a great value for the $.

Symphony 5 has been quoted as being 'overdone' (but nothing compared to Symphony 8). It's OK. A little too pretty for me.

Three Brilliant Mahler Works Perfectly Melded.......2005-11-01

Remember the days in the 1960s when we all waited for the next Mahler Symphony from Leonard Bernstein to be unveiled? As I recall that was the same time frame when the Solti recordings of Wagner's 'Ring' were slowly being released. So many music lovers 'found' Mahler through Leonard Bernstein and this splendid set of CDs reminds us why.

Here are perfect performances. The Symphony No. 1 "The Titan" with Bernstein conducting the 'Mahler orchestra' AKA the Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam. The response from the orchestra to Bernstein's penetrating approach is sensitive and breathtaking - some of the finest recorded sound the orchestra ever made.

On that first CD the remainder of the disc is rounded out with the still-respected partnership of Bernstein with Thomas Hampson in a performance of 'Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen', this time with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The communication among conductor, soloist and orchestra is on the highest level. This is the young Hampson when his approach feels not only secure but also very fresh. Listen to the way he uses his head tones for the higher notes in 'Die Zwei Blauen Augen': this is as close to Mahler's vision as a singer can get.

The second CD is devoted to a performance of the Symphony No. 5 again with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Bernstein is at the height of his powers here, able to rush into the heady movements with steady will and then bask in the Adagietto in as perfect a reading as any conductor has produced. This, too, is a perfect performance.

At Amazon.com's low price this is a recording that is easily accessible to every budget and one that is a must in the libraries of all those who love Mahler's wondrous music. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, October 05

THe Mahler Bargain of a lifetime.......2005-06-28

Bernstein in his later wisdom filled years gives us a 1st symphony bursting with edge of your seat tension and bombast.
Each movement is played with passionate articulate phrasing and sharp precision to reveal the wondrous worlds of nature,ghouls,enigma,struggle, and triumph.
Bernstein does have a tendency to extend certain passages out for maximum effect but he does it successfully without any sense of routine or premeditation.
This 1st sounds totally spontaneous as it is live and it feels like it but Mahler's soundworld is kept sharply intact.
As for Mahler's 5th, expect an over the top milk it till it bleeds interpretation.
Bernstein digs and digs deep to uncover all of the darkness of the 1st movements funeral march with plenty of phrasing that makes the tragedy all the more vivid but natural unforced phrasing.
The 2nd movement is off the chain chaotic madness with the vpo whipping up a storm of violence and destruction and the scherzo counterpoint and waltz schizophrenia is brought forth with precision and style.
Now the Adaggietto is done very expansively as it lasts over 11 minutes but Bernstein knows how to pace and phrase it well enough to where it doesn't drag and the climactic concluding full string fortissimo really hits your heart when it finally kicks in.
Now some people say that Mahler intended this movement to be done in a slightly brisk manner as Mahler's student Bruno Walter interpreted it at about 8 minutes but Bernstein chooses to caress every note which doesn't erase the romantic love letter concept of the movement as one critic had mentioned but it actually enhances that concept.
The final rondo movements triumphant jovial spirit is aplenty with the v.p.o. again providing technical and musical fireworks and sounding as if they're having a ball doing it.
So in this 5th expect highly individualistic phrasing and dynamics from Bernstein with emotions teetering on the edge resulting in a most compelling and convincing performance.
The Lieder performed by Thomas Hampson is simply icing on the cake as he sings with wonderful heartfelt musical eloquence with Bernstein as his trusty and enthusiastic partner.
Trully a Bargain to scoop up before they yank it like they do so often in classical.
Happy Listening.

O.f.

Why pay more?.......2004-10-08

Both the First and Fifth Symphonies are considered to be the gems of Bernstein's later Mahler cycle on DG. Previously, they were available separately at full price each. But now, thankfully, they have been released together, along with Songs of a Wayfarer featuring Thomas Hampson, at a 2 for 1 price. Shame on Amazon for not recommending this one instead of the 2 CDs separately. I guess it has to do more with profits than with recommendations.

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Essential collection

Mahler: Symphonies Nos 1 2 4 5 & 9
Bruno Walter
Manufacturer: Sbme Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00008PW4B
Release Date: 2003-05-12

Tracks:

Symphony No.1 "Titan" In D Major: I. Langsam Schleppend Wie Ein Naturlaut
Symphony No.1 "Titan" In D Major: Ii. Kraftig Bewegt
Symphony No.1 "Titan" In D Major: Iii. Feierlich Und Gemessen, Ohne Zu Schleppen
Symphony No.1 "Titan" In D Major: Iv. Sturmisch Bewegt
Symphony No.2 "Resurrection" In C Minor: I. Allegro Maestoso
Symphony No.2 "Resurrection" In C Minor: Ii. Andante Moderato
Symphony No.2 "Resurrection" In C Minor: Iii. In Ruhig Fliessender Bewegung
Symphony No.2 "Resurrection" In C Minor: Iv. "Urlicht" Sehr Feierlich, Aber
Symphony No.2 "Resurrection" In C Minor: Im Tempo Des Scherzos Wild Herausfahren
"Lieder Eines Fahrenden Gessellen": I. O Wenn Mein Schatz Hochzeit Macht
"Lieder Eines Fahrenden Gessellen": Ii. Ging Heut Morgen Ubers Feld
"Lieder Eines Fahrenden Gessellen": Iii. Ich Hab Ein Gluhend Messer
"Lieder Eines Fahrenden Gessellen": Iv. Die Zwei Blauen Augen
Symphony No.4 In G Major: Bedachtig Nicht Eilen
Symphony No.4 In G Major: In Gemachlicher Bewegung Ohne Hast
Symphony No.4 In G Major: Ruhevoll
Symphony No.4 In G Major: Sehr Behaglich
Symphony No.9 In D Major: I. Andante Comodo
Symphony No.9 In D Major: Ii Im Tempo Eines Gemachlichen Landlers Etwas Tappisch
Symphony No.9 In D Major: Iii. Rondo-Burleske Allegro Assai Und Sehr Trotzig
Symphony No.9 In D Major: Iv. Adagio Sehr Langsam Und Noch Zurckhaltend
Symphony No.5 In C Sharp Minor: I.Trauermarch In Gemessenem Schritt Streng Wie
Symphony No.5 In C Sharp Minor: Ii. Sturmisch Bewegt Mit Grosster Vehemenz
Symphony No.5 In C Sharp Minor: Iii. Scherzo Kraftig Nicht Zu Schnell
Symphony No.5 In C Sharp Minor: Iv. Adagietto Sehr Langsam
Symphony No.5 In C Sharp Minor: V. Rondo-Finale Allegro

Album Details

5 CD Box set. Columbia Legends Series.

Customer Reviews:

Essential collection.......2004-09-17

Bruno Walter. Mahler's disciple and protégé. His reputation as a Mahler conductor is unmatched (though Klemperer and Mengelberg come close). This set contains nothing but essential Walter CBS recordings, even if it is a pity that the set, as such, is incomplete. First, Walter's very fine CBS account of Das Lied von der Erde is excluded. Second, his outstanding mono take of the first symphony with NYPO, for CBS, is missing.

What we have here are nonetheless recordings that belong in every Mahlerite collection. It is good to have them all in a set - for saving money, for example. And it is nowadays almost impossible to find the present performance of ninth symphony as a single set (blame SONY for their policy).

Some comments:
Symphony 1 & 2: outstanding early stereo takes (no. 1, rec. 1961, no. 2, rec. 1958) with classic, warm interpretations that leave very little to wish.
Symphony 4 & 5: two mono takes (rec. 1946), but indeed essential even for hifi enthusiasts. Clearly among the very best and classic performances of these works.
Symphony 9: Walter made the first live recording of this symphony in 1938 (available on EMI or Naxos). But this is the first stereo recording of the ninth (rec. 1961). The interpretation is second to none.

Grab this set while it's available!

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Another Outstanding Naxos Recording!
Symphony No. 2, a really great discovery
FIRE AND AIR
Amended review
A Delight In All Respects

Weber: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000140J
Release Date: 1994-12-13

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 in C Major; J. 50: Allegro con fuoco
Symphony No. 1 in C Major; J. 50: Andante
Symphony No. 1 in C Major; J. 50: Scherzo And Trio
Symphony No. 1 In C Major, J. 50: Finale: Presto
Symphony No. 2 In C Major, J. 51: Allegro
Symphony No. 2 In C Major, J. 51: Adagio ma non troppo
Symphony No. 2 In C Major, J. 51: Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 2 In C Major, J. 51: Finale: Scherzo presto
Turandot, J. 75: Overture
Turandot, J. 75: Funeral March From Act V
Turandot, J. 75: March From Act II
Silvana, J. 87: Tanz der Edelknaben
Silvana, J. 87: Fackel Tanz
Die Drei Pintos, Anh. 5: Entr'acte

Customer Reviews:

Another Outstanding Naxos Recording!.......2007-03-23

Weber wrote both of his Symphonies in the same year (1807), and both are in the key of C Major. However, each one brings different delights. The sound is excellent on this Naxos release, and the playing by the Queensland Philharmonic is impressive, especially by the horns, with a wonderful viola solo in the Adagio of the Second Symphony. Weber's music here is witty, adventurous and at times a little unpredictable. The Penguin Guide has awarded this great recording a Rosette, which is their highest honor, reserved only for a recording that "shows special illumination, magic or a spiritual quality...that places it in a very special class". I wholeheartedly agree. And, as a nice bonus, Naxos has added attractive excerpts from two lesser-known operas, as well as incidental music from Turandot. I highly recommend this CD, and the price is easy on the budget, to be sure.

Symphony No. 2, a really great discovery.......2006-03-21

Until I bought this CD, I had never heard the Weber 2nd Symphony. It is a strange but an absolutely delightful piece. The first movement is longer than the rest of the symphony combined. It is also as fine an example of sonata-allegro form as you will ever hear. The horn solo in the second theme is just gorgeous. The second movement is short but lovely, the menuetto even shorter and the finale is less than 2 minutes and just when you think it is over the bassoon plays one last fade away phrase. It almost like Weber is poking fun at Beethoven's 5th. The rest of the music, including the much more popular 1st Symphony, are all lovely and fun to listen to. But it is the 2nd Symphony that really caught my ear. Great performances from New Zealand.

FIRE AND AIR.......2004-01-24

Naxos really are doing us proud. Here is yet another first-class disc of comparatively out of the way music, beautifully performed and recorded. I am very enthusiastic for Weber in general. He had a superlative melodic gift for one thing, he was a brilliant orchestrator and he is blessedly free of pretentiousness. Nobody would look to his compositions for lessons in intellectual techniques, but I will happily trade that to be spared laboured workings-out, twaddling `passages' and the whole baggage of second-rate 19th century instrumental music. All the music on this record is comparatively lightweight, but the symphonies less so than the incidental music. Being perfectly candid, I find them more interesting than the early symphonies of my beloved Schubert. There is a theatrical feel to them, but that is no bad thing in my opinion, and when the inevitable thoughts of Rossini came to the forefront of my mind I also found myself reflecting that Weber had a soul within him, a thing of fire and air, where Rossini had nothing but a vacuum.

The recorded quality is in some ways very striking indeed, with startling resonance in the bass - to start with I could almost have sworn that I heard a tuba. The Queensland Philharmonic play with real life, vigour and enthusiasm, and the conductor has to my way of thinking the right extroversion and sense of style and pace for this particular music. There is also a businesslike and helpful liner-note giving some information on conductor and orchestra as well as commentary on the music.

Right at the end we have something very different and very interesting indeed - an entr'acte put together by Mahler from material Weber had left from an unfinished opera The Three Pintos. Suddenly to hear Mahler's idiom and Mahler's scoring in a ghostly embrace with Weber's has real `tingle-factor` for me, something like the effect of the last bars of the Flying Dutchman overture, written by the Wagner of Tristan and Isolde. I am going to get very attached to this record.

Amended review.......2001-06-30

I lowered my original score from 4 star to 2 star after listening to it a few more times. It became clearer to me that, though the recording is dead quiet with no extraneous noise, the strings are muffled considerably. Great music, OK recording quality.

A Delight In All Respects.......2001-06-23

Weber clearly liked to keep a little fun in his music. These two symphonies are delightful music. Weber used a light touch to lead the listener through a spirited conversation between the orchestra sections. Instead of hiding the woodwinds behind a curtain of strings as was typical, Weber brought them out where they shine without being shrill or syrupy. None of that thin, reedy stuff here, its all full-bodied. Weber's love of the oboe shows. The orchestra plays Weber beautifully and the engineers did a great job too.

Mahler: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2 [Australia]

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Finally, it is reissued

Mahler: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2 [Australia]
Mcnair , Van Nes , Haitink , and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00067GKE2
Release Date: 2004-10-06

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 - Langsam, Schleppend
Symphony No. 1 - Kraftig Bewegt, Doch Nicht Zu Schnell
Feierlich Und Gemessen, Ohne Zu Schleppen- Sehr Einfach Und Schlicht Wie Eine
Symphony No. 1 - Sturmisch Bewegt
Symphony No. 2 - Allegro Maestoso, Mit Durchaus Erstem Und Feierlichem Ausdruck
Symphony No. 2 - Andante Moderato. Sehr Gemachlich. Nie Eilen
Symphony No. 2 - Scherzo: In Ruhig Fliebender Bewegung
Symphony No. 2 - Urlicht: "O Roschen Rot!" Sehr Feierlich, Aber Schlicht
Symphony No. 2 - Im Tempo Des Scherzo Wild Herausfahrend
Symphony No. 2 - Maestoso
Symphony No. 2 - Sehr Langsam Und Gedehnt
Langsam. Misterioso: "Aufestehn, Jja Auferstehn Wirst Du, Mein Staub"
Symphony No. 2 - Etwas Bewegter: "O Glaube, Mein Herz, O Glaube"

Album Details

Bernard Haitink was One of the First Conductors to Record a Complete Mahler Cycle, a Project He Embarked on While Chief Conductor of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and an Orchestra that Has a Long Tradition of Performing Mahler. He Started this Mahler Cycle in September 1962 and Completed it in September 1971 and it Remains a Reference Set for all Devotees of Mahler's Music. Haitink Continues to Conduct Mahler with Some of the World's Finest Orchestras and During the Late 1980s and 1990s He Re-recorded Most of the Symphonies with the Berlin Philharmonic. Two of the Most Popular Symphonies Are Presented Here: Numbers One and 2.

Customer Reviews:

Finally, it is reissued.......2005-01-05

Haitink made lots different Mahler recording. His style and techique improved with time. The BPO recording maybe the most complete and solid performance he had made. The Christmas live with CGB is also a great record of Haitink's Mahler. However, this BPO recording is flawless. The No.1 here is always one of my best No.1 pick among my 100+ versions, and the else symphonies are also very high stardard performance. Haitink's natural intepretion makes these music toughing you without notice, and keep the BPO's gorgeous sound in perfect shape. These great recordings are out of print for a long time. I am so glad to see it reissued in low price. For those who wants to enjoy Mahler but fear for some intepreters are too emotional e.g. Bernstein. Haitink & BPO should be the first one (even the only one)you should buy.

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REREVIEW-FIRST ONE LOST

Mahler: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2
Solti , Harper , Watts , and London Symphony Orchestra
Manufacturer: Decca/Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Tenors

ASIN: B000025R1M
Release Date: 1996-06-10

Tracks:

Symphony #1 In D Major- Langsam Schleppen
Ii. Kraftig Bewegt, Doch Nicht Zu Schnell
Iii. Feierlich Und Gemessen, Ohne Zu Schleppen Sehr Einfach Und Schlicht Wie Eine Volksweise
Iv. Sturmisch Bewegt
V. Im Tempo Des Scherzo

Customer Reviews:

REREVIEW-FIRST ONE LOST.......2004-07-30

I wrote an extensive review after receiving this recording of the Mahler 1st and 2nd symphonies, but there was a submission glitch and it was lost in cyberspace. Therefore, I will try again with a much abreviated version.
In the latter half of the infamous 60's, the London Symphony Orchestra was unsurpassed (shortly before Sir Georg accepted the Chicago position). His interpretation of Mahler is flawless, allowing the music to build tension and release without creating events along the way. The brass of the LSO is superb, especially the trombones in the 1st symphony, and the balanced recording is superb from top to bottom, however, I have one minor reservation. There is not enough organ in the triumphant finale of the "Resurrection". Maestro Solti's 80's digital recording with the CSO provided that Divine Sound, but it is the only weakness here. Heather Harper and Helen Watts are the best soloists money can buy in the 2nd symphony and both renditions belong in any serious Mahlerite's collection.

Average customer rating:

lo mas impresionante, no lo mejor...
First Experience with Mahler's 1st
poor interpretation, great piece
What's so Bad?
Could be better

Mahler: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 10

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000028X2
Release Date: 1993-10-19

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 'Titan': I. Langsam. Schleppend. Wie ein Naturlaut.. Im Anfang sehr gemachlich
Symphony No. 1 'Titan': II. Kraftig bewegt, doch nicht zo schnell
Symphony No. 1 'Titan': III. Feierlich und gemessen, ohne zu schleppen
Symphony No. 1 'Titan': IV. Sturmisch bewegt - Energisch
Symphony No. 10 (Adagio): Andante - Adagio

Customer Reviews:

lo mas impresionante, no lo mejor..........2004-11-23

Mahler inicia su vida en las sinfonías con esta maravilla, el Titan, es impresionante y siento decirlo por los expertos, una la escucha y se maravilla y para eso no debemos de saber de musica.
Y aqui esta el problema, Zubin Mehta no es apreciado por su calidad sino mas bien por su espectacularidad, y hay que decirlo tambien el Titan necesita espectacularidad por que siendo de Mahler alcanza niveles de gran profundidad musical, algo dificil de digerir para todos los amantes de la musica, y ahi el logro no puedes quedar indiferente a esta versión, quizas haya mejores directores para este autor, pero para empezar y asombrarse, nada mejor que esto. La sinfonia es una obra extensa, llena de formas musicales complejas, pero que Mehta lleva bien hasta el final.
La filarmonica de Nueva York hace honor a su nombre y pone todo de si para hacer de Mehta un director espectacular.
George Szell por su parte es como siempre pulcro, perfecto, sutil, autentico, inmejorable. Para este CD cualquier cosa podria haber acompañado al Titan, pero en una gran elección, de la espectacularidad de Mehta pasamos a la perfección y finura de Szell.

First Experience with Mahler's 1st.......2004-02-18

This was the first recording I ever listened to of Mahler's first, my only previous experience with him being Michael Gielen's Sony recording of the 8th. My attention was immediately captured by the second movement, the scherzo. Conductor Zubin Mehta's take of the scherzo clocks in at 7'35, which might not sound much different from the 7'47 of his later recording with the Israel Philharmonic, but those ten seconds make all the difference. The scherzo flies like none other I've heard afterwards, and truly lets me see the composer's original description of "Under Full Sail". While the recording quality is not quite as good as the Israel one, the added speed of the second movement and push to the finish in the last movement (the Israel recording loses some steam toward the end) put this one above that one, but just by a hair. My advice would be to get both, as they are both quite inexpensive.

poor interpretation, great piece.......2002-05-02

This was the first version of Mahler's first symphony I heard. At first
I enjoyed it,however when I heard other versions, I found the interpretation could be better. I recomend the piece, but probably not this version. This version of the 10th is pretty good.

What's so Bad?.......2002-02-06

I seem to be the only person who enjoyed this recording of Mahler's 1st Symphony. The interpretation is "middle of the road" not to fast not to slow. I thought that especially the third mvt. was very nice. I think people might say Mehta lacks fire in the fourth mvt. because he choses a slower tempo than others. Often I find people confuse passion and fire for faster tempo. Besides this the playing of the New York Philharmonic is marvelous. Especially the brass section. Anyways the best part of the CD is the adagio of Mahler's Tenth Symphony. This was done by George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra. Very brilliant playing. The opening is perfectly executed and for an older recording the sound is great. For me the adagio really stands out as a mvt that is capable of standing by itself, to include other parts of the Tenth with out doing the whole thing would have left me a little empty. Also the other mvt's aren't as good or as well arranged. Overall this is fine CD to become aquainted with these two works. There are many, many different ways to interpret Symphony No. 1 and this is a fine way to do it. I might consider other recordings of the Titan Symphony before this one, but for those on a budget this makes a great deal.

Could be better.......2001-11-02

I hate to write a bad review for Mehta, but this recording disappoints. Mehta lacks his usual fire, especially in the last movement. The recording itself seems dry and does not capture the full power of the orchestra.

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1: Langsam. Schleppend. Wie ein Naturlaut - Im Anfang sehr gemachlich
Symphony No. 1: Kraftig bewegt, doch nicht zu schnell - Trio. Recht gemachlich
Symphony No. 1: Feierlich und gemessen, ohne zu schleppen
Symphony No. 1: Sturmisch bewegt

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5: Part I: 1. Trauermarsch. In gemessenem Schritt. Streng. Wie ein Kondukt
Symphony No. 5: Part I: 2. Sturmisch bewegt, mit grosster Vehemenz
Symphony No. 5: Part II: 3. Scherzo. Kraftig, nicht zu schnell
Symphony No. 5: Part III: 4. Adagietto. Sehr langsam
Symphony No. 5: Part III: 5. Rondo-Finale. Allegro -- Allegro giocoso. Frisch

Customer Reviews:

Sinopoli and Mahler arent' the best match.......2007-05-14

I don't believe anyone before or since Sinopili has recorded a complete Mahelr cycle from England. Therefore his cycle made history in a minor way, and the British critics, despite their suspicion of him as an interloper on the London musical scene, were complimentary. But I find there's something off about most of the results, inluding the two symphonies collected here. for one thing, DG's digital sound is overly bright and often harsh in loud passages; there's no warmth or bloom, and at times detail becomes quite muddied. Second, the Philharmonia Orch. wasn't in the best shape in the Eighties, and one doesn't hear resplendent playing. Mahler really benefits from the highest possible level of polish and virtuosity (he was, after all, conductor of the Vienna Phil.) The Philharmonia sounds fairly crude at times.

In the end, however, the failings come down to Sinopoli himself. He had lots of ideas, but they mostly funciton from bar to bar. ONe misses an overall conception, and there's a lack of sympathy with Mahler's emotional world, not like the analytical chill of Boulez but insufficient humor, warmth, and emotional grandness. As to specifics, Sinopoli's tempos are all within the usual range in both works. His attacks are often too blunt, and he rarely soars with that breathtaking freedom that makes Mahler transcendent. Even at a bargain price I'm not sure this twofer yields much joy.

Wow!, at first, then: Where's the Beef?.......2002-04-05

Sinopoli's recordings are never, ever dull. We're talking about a guy who worked himself up so much over Aida that he had a heart attack right in the middle of a performance and died. You can just about imagine what he brings to Mahler.

The first time you hear these disks you're gonna' think they're the best ever made. But if you return to them too often, the luster fades. His communication of Mahler's argument just isn't there.

And that's okay, if you're a confirmed Mahlerian and you know all the notes already, because you know the argument. If that's the case, BUY THESE DISKS IMMEDIATELY! They'll knock your socks off, and you won't miss the argument because you know it already.

Highlights include an extremely fast sounding (though not actually fast) finale in the First Symphony wherein the heroic theme is blown through every time, and the last three minutes will peel paint. Also you'll find that the second movement in the Fifth really lives up to Mahler's direction: "With the greatest possible violence." You'll get to hear Sinopoli doing what can only be a cartwheel on the podium right before the big climax. (You'll hear it: BAM, BAM, BAM!) Then, you'll be dragged though the scherzo as if behind a 4-wheeler. Sinopoli comes in at the very end of this movement - the most Dionysian of all passages in Mahler's music - determined to break all the glass in your apartment. Under no circumstances will you be able to remain seated.

However, if you don't know these symphonies, STAY AWAY FROM THESE DISKS! They'll confirm what you probably think now: that Mahler was an overblown hack determined to throw everything and the kitchen sink into each if his symphonies.

Go with Bernstein's DG recordings of each of these first. Those are solid gold, and you'll return to them even after you've heard everyone else.

The Philharmonia is absolutely amazing here. I have no idea how they manage to follow him while he's busy bursting into flame. Hearing these, though, you won't be surprised that Sinopoli dropped dead conducting. Frankly, I'm surprised he made it through these recording sessions.

No disrespect meant. We really needed Sinopoli to stay around longer, he was becoming one of the "greats".

One of the best Fifth's ever.......2000-08-23

I'm not always taken with Maestro Sinopoli's approach to conducting, but in the case of Mahler's Fifth he gets everything exactly right (to my way of thinking anyway).

Often, I find that Mahler meanders aimlessly and drags far too much for my taste. This is especially true in performances where the conductor feels obliged to underline how "profound" Mahler is being. (See the DG Bernstein recordings which I find truly awful in their indulgence. His earlier Columbia recordings of Mahler are much better.) Similarly, I quickly tire of the "slow=profound" approach of some others, which tend to be soporific.

Sinipoli's performance brilliantly treads the line between these two approachs. He highlights elements without drawing untoward attention to them. He maintains a sense of pulse even in the slow sections, so one always feels one is GOING somewhere.

Moreover, this is a performance which has a true sense of occasion. Both conductor and orchestra perform with white hot intensity and the sound is detailed, but warm. It's a performance that amazes me every time I listen to it.

Tracks:

Symphony No. 9: I Andante comodo
Symphony No. 9: II Im Tempo eines gemlichen Llers
Symphony No. 9: III Rondo burleske

Tracks:

Symphony No. 9: IV Adagio - Sehr langsam und noch zurtend
Symphony No.1: I Langsam. Schleppend
Symphony No. 1: II Krig bewegt
Symphony No. 1: III Feierlich und gemessen
Symphony No. 1: IV Sturmisch bewegt

Amazon.com

Don't sneer at these performances simply because the orchestras and conductors may not be the biggest names. They are both exceptionally fine. Litton's Mahler Symphony No. 1 is a fresh, impetuous performance in the grand Romantic tradition, played with tremendous gusto. Pesek's Ninth is one of the very best around. Not only does the orchestra play like their lives depended on it, the interpretation has numerous imaginative touches--particularly the rapt treatment of the third movement's quiet central section, with its foreshadowing of the melody of the great final Adagio. And best of all, both performances are captured in splendid sound. At budget price, this is a steal and a half. -- David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

MAGNIFICENT MAHLER 9TH.......2000-07-07

This is one of the best versions of the MAHLER 9th symphony. I have heard the HIGHLY praised live KARAJAN,the BERNSTEIN BERLIN VERSION, the BARBIROLLI B.P.O. version to name a few and this version is just as compelling as those. MAESTRO PESEK has the orchestra in a whirlwind of inspiration and the playing is of the highest calibre. I can't believe that the ROYAL LIVERPOOL orchestra is not recognized as one of the finest ensembles in EUROPE because they display a virtuosity that is amazing. The sound of the recording is fabulous to the point where you feel that the orchestra is in your living room. MAESTRO PESEK brings forth the tragedy,inner isolation, and breakdown that the first movement evokes. The lunatic circus atmosphere of the second movement is brought forth vividly with point and humour. The chaos and madness of the third movement is played with brilliance and ends with the tempo sped up to a frenzy only to break down in the midst of the fury. MAESTRO PESEK then pulls out all the stops in the final movement evoking the despair, emptiness, and the inevitable death that is waiting at the door of the victim of this magnificent score. The movement concludes with acceptance and finally peace. This is a great recording with a heartfelt dedication from the players and a precision that is impressive. I feel that this recording is more compelling than both BERNSTEIN AND KARAJANS VERSIONS because PESEK has a better sense of precision which is one of the key elements to conducting. LEONARD BERNSTEIN didn't have a clear downbeat like the great GEORGE SZELL and HERBERT VON KARAJAN conducted with his eyes closed. What is this? Most honest musicians will tell you that the eyes are just as important as the movement of the baton but i guess promotion can build anything into the end all and be all. Not withstanding my thoughts...buy this recording and be rewarded for such a low price.

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