Mahler: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 10

1. Symphony No. 1 in D major ("Titan")
Composed by Gustav Mahler
with New York Philharmonic
Conducted by Zubin Mehta

2. Symphony No. 10 in F sharp minor (unfinished) Adagio~arranged by Ernst Krenek~edited by Otto Jokl
Composed by Gustav Mahler
Conducted by George Szell

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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Similar Items:

Symphonies 1-10 (Ger) (Box)
Mahler: Symphonies Nos. 1-9; Adagio
Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos
Mahler: Symphony Nos. 10 (Reconstruction Barshai) & 5
Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3

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!

Average customer rating:

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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Similar Items:

Weber: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Polacca Brillante; Konzertstück
Carl Maria von Weber: Clarinet Concertos
Saint-Saëns: Les 5 Symphonies
Bruch: The Complete Symphonies
Weber: Clarinet Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Grand Duo Concertante; Concertino

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.

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Mahler: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2

Manufacturer: Classica D'oro
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Mahler: Symphony No. 2 / Klemperer, Philharmonia Orchestra

ASIN: B00005NHKN
Release Date: 2001-09-04

Mahler: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2 [Australia]

Average customer rating:

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:

Best overall Mahler cycle ever-Expensive but worth every cent
completely over-rated
Gielen's Mahler -- a world of worlds
Probably the best contemporary Mahler box
Gielen's Mahler not to be missed

Mahler: Symphonies Nos. 1-9; Adagio

Manufacturer: Hanssler Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Mahler: Symphonies 1-10; Das Lied von der Erde
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Mahler: Symphonies Nos 1 2 4 5 & 9
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 [Special Edition] [Hybrid SACD]
Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 1-6

ASIN: B000269QUM
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Tracks:

I. Langsam. Schleppend - Im Anfang Sehr Gemachlich
II. Kraftig Bewegt, Doch Nicht Zu Schnell
III. Feierlich Und Gemessen, Ohne Zu Schleppen
IV. Sturmisch Bewegt

Tracks:

I. Allegro Maestoso. Mit Durchaus Ernstem Und Feierlichem Ausdruck
II. Andante Moderato. Sehr Gemachlich. Nie Eilen
III. In Ruhig Fliessender Bewegung
IV. 'Urlicht'. Sehr Feierlich Aver Schlicht/Text 'Des Knaben Wunderhorn'

Tracks:

V. Im Tempo Des Scherzo's, Wild Herausfahrend - Langsam. Misterioso/Text 'Die Auferstehung', Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock
I. Kraftig. Entschieden

Tracks:

II. Tempo Di Menuetto. Sehr Massig
III. Comodo. Scherzando. Ohne Hast/Frank Pulcini - Posthorn
IV. Sehr Langsam. Misterioso. Durchaus Ppp Text 'O Mensch! Gib Acht! From/Aus 'Also Sprach Zarathustra'/Friedrich Nietzsche
V. Lustig Im Tempo Und Keck Im Ausdruck/Text 'Es Sungen Drei Engel' From/Aus 'Des Knaben Wunderhorn'
VI. Lansam. Ruhevoll. Empfunden

Tracks:

I. Bedachtig. Nicht Eilen
II. In Gemachlicher Bewegung. Ohne Hast/Wolfgang Hock-Solo-Violine
III. Ruhevoll. Poco Adagio
IV. Sehr Behaglich/Text 'Die Himmlischen Freuden' From/Aus 'Des Knaben Wunderhorn'

Tracks:

I. Trauermarsch. Streng. Wir Ein Kondukt
II. Sturmisch Bewegt, Mit Grosster Vehemenz
III. Scherzo. Kraftig, Nicht Zu Schnell
IV. Adagietto. Sehr Lansam
V. Rondo - Finale. Allegro

Tracks:

I. Allegro Energico, Ma Non Troppo. Heftig Aber Markig
II. Scherzo. Wuchtig
III. Andante Moderato

Tracks:

IV. Finale. Allegro Moderato - Allegro Energico Tempo II (Allegro Moderato Ma Energico)

Tracks:

I. Langsam - Allegro Risoluto, Ma Non Troppo
II. Nachtmusik I. Allegro Moderato
III. Scherzo. Schattenhaft
IV. Nachtmusik II. Andante Amoroso
V. Rondo - Finale. Tempo I (Tempo Ordinario) Tempo II (Allegro Moderato Ma Energico)

Tracks:

I. Veni, Creator Spiritus
II. Imple Superna Gratia
III. Infirma Nostri Corporis
IV. Accende Limen Sensibus
V. Tu Septiformis Munere
VI. Gloria Patri Domino

Tracks:

I. Waldung, Sie Schwankt Heran (Heilige Anachoreten)
II. Ewiger Wonnebrand (Pater Ecstaticus)
III. Wie Felsenabgrund Mir Zu Fussen (Pater Profundus)
IV. Gerettet Ist Das Edle Glied (Chor Der Engel)
V. Uns Bleibt Ein Erdenrest (Die Vollendeteren Engel)
VI. Hier Ist Die Aussicht Frei (Doctor Marianus)
VII. Dir, Der Unberuhrbaren (Chorus)
VIII. Bei Der Liebe, Die Den Fussen (Magna Peccatrix)
IX. Neige. Neige, Du Ohnegleiche (Una Poenitentium)
X. Komm! Hebe Dich Zu Hohern Spharen (Mater Gloriosa)
XI. Blicket Auf Zum Retterblick (Doctor Marianus)
XII. Alles Vergangliche Ist Nur Ein Gleichnis (Chorus Mysticus)

Tracks:

I. Andante Comodo
II. Im Tempo Eines Gemachlichen Landlers/Etwas Tappisch Und Sehr Derb
III. Rondo - Burleske. Allegro Assai. Sehr Trotzig

Tracks:

IV. Adagio. Sehr Langsam Und Noch Zuruckhaltend
I. Adagio

Customer Reviews:

Best overall Mahler cycle ever-Expensive but worth every cent.......2007-06-25

This Gielen Mahler cycle is downright costly, but in every regard worth the price as no combined and few singular performances surpass these priceless renditions. I have many mahler symphonies-over 20 discs and records of each symphony and overall-this is the best complete(no tenth) on the market and in the cases of symphony's 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, the best there is or equal to the best. My two favourite Mahler symph's are 3 & 9 and I rank the third above Bernstein's earlier account, Rattle's BCSO, and equal, if not slightly better than Chailley's recent decca release, which previous to this I had considered the best along with the Rattle. For the ninth, I have changed over the years from Karajan and Walter(VPo) to Ancerl and beyond, but this version has everything. It has the depth of Karajan's outer movements and the macabre of Ancerl's inner ones-there is no finer version available.
There is also no finer version of number one than here. I adore Kubelik and Bernstein and walter (and would not want to be without either) but this is basically a perfect performance.
Number two is excellent, far superior to Gilbert Kaplan's, Boulez, and Abbado's. One of the best around which is saying something in such a crowded field.
The third is a miracle. This may be the most difficult symphony to pull off-in terms of music worthy of pulling off- (along with number seven but for much different reasons) and is in my opinion the quintessential reading. I have long believed Chailley's to be almost unsurpassable but after passing through pastoral sweetness of horn solo, a real post-horn I might add (which is usually substituted for a trumpet, cornet, or Fugalhorn) I realized I needed to start the work over and really listen. Best ever.
The fourth is good but not exalted, a very, very good version but not quite on par with Levi's, Walter's or Bernstein's second recording, but is better than Chailley's and Abbado's and Karajan's, and is somewhat equal to Boulez(a man I cant stand)
The fifth is also very good though not quite at the best of all time level.
The sixth is done very well, though slightly slow in the beginning. The adagio is terrific(I would recommend Witt's version on Naxos for one of the best along with MTT and the San Fran.
Now to the seventh--one of my favourite symphonies of all time and one seriously in need of a conductor who believes in the works greatness. This version could not be bettered(though Barenboim's recent account is also very good). I absolutley adore the conviction of this performance which reveals a symphony that is not the pesky stepchild of 5 and 6 but an entire world unto its own. This symphony has always fascinated me in its confessional and completely unique place in Mahler's oevre. You cant do any better.
The eighth is fantastic though intentionally not as supercharged as Solti's. It reminds me more of Kubelik's and, as in Gielen;'s first account released on Sony, truly shows this conductor;s grasp of every nuance of Mahler's vast arsenal.
As mentioned in other reviews, the tenth is not included beyond the adagio which is unfortunate considering it is the best version of the tenth yet to be released-beyond Rattles. The tenth is worthy to Mahler fans though event he adagio is unfinished(Mahler surely would have altered the score after hearing it played live-think the fifth symphony's premiere)-Either way it is worth hearing.
Overall you cant do better than this and if I was asked if there were one Mahler cycle to buy-I would recomennd this one without hesitation. There is no weak link and individually is rarely bettered.
Best List
1. Gielen---------Kubelik-------Walter
2. Gielen-Walter
3. Gielen------------Rattle-----------Bernstein(sony)
4. Levi-----------Walter---------Bernstein---Klemperer
5. Karajan-Bernstein(DG)
6. Witt----------Mtt-------Bernstein-DG
7. Gielen-----------Bernstein(both)--Barenboim
8. Solti-----------Gielen---------Kubelik
9. Gielen----Karajan(DG\2)----Ancerl-----
10. Gielen---Rattle
Cycle-Gielen----------Bernstein(Sony\DG)----------Bertini
[...]

completely over-rated.......2007-03-25

I have no argument against the notion that Michael Gielen is a very fine, very serious musician. What I have a problem with, is the position by many that this is the best choice out there for a complete Mahler symphonies box. It isn't. It's overpriced, and Haenssler didn't bother to include Gielen's highly expressionistic account of the standard Deryck Cooke 10th. Regardless of the interpretive merits of Gielen's complete cycle, the sound isn't as consistantly good as it is on either the Gary Bertini box (EMI), or the Chailly box on Decca (which does include a complete 10th). Aside from their obvious display of fine musicianship, symphonies 2 and 8 are somewhat underwhelming in the final analysis. Compare the last several minutes of the 8th to the Bertini - little or no comparison in my book. Symphonies 5 and 9 sound like afterthoughts, which they almost were. As with so many recordings of the Mahler 9th, the first movement is outstanding, but everything that happens after that sounds anticlimactic. It almost makes one wish that Mahler had finished the 10th instead (I said almost). Both the Bertini and Chailly Mahler 9ths stand up better over the long haul. Gielen is excellent over the first four movements of the 7th, but his finale is a tad sluggish and dour. It's a pity that Haenssler didn't opt to include one of Gielen's live performances of the 7th instead, where the finale clocks in a full minute faster! Gielen's 4th is pretty decent over the first three movements, but his soprano isn't terribly competitive in the Wunderhorn song. Barbara Bonney is excellent on the Chailly 4th. To my mind, the one outstanding performance from Gielen is the 6th. Here, Gielen gets to showcase his expertise in an expressionistic sound world that's usually reserved for Shoenberg, Berg, and Webern. And, as a matter of fact, it's better to get Gielen's 6th individually, which is coupled with an equally fine performance of Alban Berg's "Three Pieces For Orchestra". In summary, it's better to pick and choose with Gielen. In fact, it's really better to pick and choose with all the Mahler symphonies. But if the convenience of a box set is what you're after, I'd say go for the Bertini box on EMI, which includes a very fine "Das Lied von der Erde". The first Bernstein cycle - now out on Sony Classical - shouldn't be overlooked either. While less consistant from an interpretive standpoint, Chailly does include his very fine 10th in the Cooke version.

Gielen's Mahler -- a world of worlds.......2006-02-14

Mahler famously said a symphony should contain the world, and so a Mahler symphonic cycle is a world of worlds. This Gielen cycle of "Mahler's worlds" is an obvious case where the 5 stars do not come close to fully signifying the value.

I only recently finally heard all the Mahler symphonies, collecting my first complete cycle from a variety of conductors (1/Kubelik-BRSO, 2/Mehta-VPO, 3/Chailly-RCOA, 8/Solti-CSO, 4/5/6/Bernstein-RCOA&VPO, 6/7/9/Abbado-BPO), and having "converted to Mahler" after some early doubts, I decided I should hear this Gielen cycle before it went out of print, particularly as it is on the small, independent German Hanssler label.

Compared to the other Mahler recordings I have heard, I am initially most impressed with Gielen's Nos. 1, 3, and 7, but they are all strong interpretations and performances. Gielen's readings with the Southwest German Radio Symphony Orchestra may underwhelm those who prefer a hot Bernsteinian style, but anyone else should seriously consider this Hanssler box. Perhaps eventually Abbado will finish recording the complete cycle with the Berlin Philharmonic, and if and when he does that might be the only other contemporary set as fine as this one.

Thanks to Michael Gielen I am ready now to settle in for serious Mahler listening that should last a lifetime.

Probably the best contemporary Mahler box.......2005-06-21

Michael Gielen is one of the leading contemporary interpreters of Mahler's music. Following the tradition of Scherchen and Rosbaud, his interpretations emphasize the radical, modernist aspects of Mahler's works, which yields very interesting results. In short, Gielen's Mahler is never dull and not sentimental at all. What we get instead is dark tragedy, detailed structure, and irony. Moreover, Gielen's orchestra is the outstanding SWF Sinfonieorchester Baden-Baden and Freiburg, which has a fine Mahler tradition (Rosbaud).
Some comments on each symphony.

#1. A very clear, detailed interpretation, in excellent sound. I would place it as the finest contemporary account, not far behind the classic recordings of Kubelik (DG and Audite), Walter (SONY), and Horenstein (Unicorn).

#2. Gielen's modernist outlook emphasizes the dramatic aspects of the work, as well as the extreme orchestral effects. I find his approach less convincing here. To compare, Klemperer (EMI), Walter (SONY), and even Scherchen (Westminster-Universal, Japan) offer more passion than drama, which I think is essential for this work.

#3. One of the best interpretations ever of this symphony. It ranks beside Kubelik's (DG and Audite) and Barbirolli's (BBC), balancing its raw power with the lyrical aspects.

#4. The weak spot of the set. Gielen goes apparently for irony rather than childish wit in the last movement. I would not include this interpretation among the five best. I hold Barbirolli (BBC) and Horenstein (EMI) to be the best recordings.

#5. Again, an outstanding interpretation, which is in the league of Walter (SONY), Barbirolli (EMI), Schwartz (Everest), and Barshai (Brilliant Classics). Excellent playing and a superb, swift adagietto.

#6. Surpricingly, this interpretation is Gielen's most traditional. Compared with Barbirolli (EMI) and Horenstein (Unicorn), Gielen avoids the extremes and emphasizes the lyrical qualities. Excellent recording and fine hammerblows.

#7. A desert island disc, no less. I place this recording only after Kubelik seminal recordings (DG and Audite). Gielen's modernist approach fits here like hand in glove. Fine orchestral playing and a superb recording.

#8. Similar to Chailly (Decca), Gielen's conception of this symphony emphasizes its chamber-like textures, not the grandeur. It is an interpretation which is exactly the opposite of Solti's high-octane, operatic view (Decca). Though I do not think it even challenges Kubelik (Audite), Mitropoulos (Orfeo), and Horenstein (BBC), it is nonetheless an interesting view.

#9. A very dark, tragic conception of a tragic work. This masterly interpretation ranks clearly, in my view, beside, say, Klemperer (EMI), Walter (SONY), and Ancerl (Supraphon). Technically, it is a sonic triumph, and the orchestral playing is outstanding.

In sum, a warmly recommended set if one wants a contemporary cycle in excellent digital sound. It is a far more accurate and inspired set than, for example, Chailly's on Decca. The only real drawback is the price.

Unfortunately, as with most other sets with Mahler's symphonies, the box does not include Das Lied von der Erde (one exception of this is Bertini on EMI). Hopefully Gielen will record this song-cycle symphony soon. Nor does it include Gielen's recently recorded interpretation of the complete Cooke Mahler 10 (see my review), in contrast to Chailly.

Despite my praise, however, I like to say that I recommend Kubelik's set (DG) as the first choice, if you look for one boxed set only.

Gielen's Mahler not to be missed.......2005-06-17

Mahler's time has now surely come. His symphonies, rare in performance and rarer on record until a half century after his death, have become a glut in the age of compact discs, with multiple complete cycles vying for attention. Even so, a true Mahler aficionado has to wade through a minefield of duds to find a near-ideal performance of any one of them, let alone the holy grail of a totally recommendable cycle by any one conductor. This is so despite Mahler's care in meticulously marking dynamics in his scores as well as his subjective extra-musical characterizations of themes and effects to show his intentions. But all music relies on interpreters, and each conductor has his own ideas about how a score should be interpreted. Therefore no single point of view suffices over this vast canvas that is Mahler's nine numbered symphonies.

Some conductors are good with Maher's early "Wunderhorn" style, all but the first involving the human voice, others are better with his spare, later chamber-like style. Few at all have solved the central mystery of the three purely orchestral ones. Now comes Michael Gielen's thought provoking cycle that on repeated hearings convinces he has, if not produced a perfect cycle, mastered Mahler's music as well as any one mortal might within his own interpretive latitude, and he sheds much new light on each work in turn.

His accounts of symphonies 5 and 7 are simply the finest accounts of each ever put down on CD, and his 6 is not far behind. Yet his touch in the early works is different, yet equally deft, and the late works are exposed as never before as the greatly innovative, forward-looking and influential works they are. Throughout each of these masterworks, Gielen's infinite attention to every detail and the Southwest German Radio Orchestra's ability to deliver exactly what he asks leaves the listener gasping at Mahler's absolute understanding and complete control of instrumental color and orchestral sonority.

Some commentators have described Gielen's Mahler as cool and austere. Nothing could be further from the truth. These are very passionate performances, though shorn of worthless sentimentality. Nor does Gielen ever play it safe. He takes every chance in attempting to deliver what he believes are Mahler's wishes, even executing the controversial "Hinaufziehen" instruction to the oboist in the solo vocal movement of Symphony No. 3, producing an upward glissando that sounds something like the cry of a peacock. And why not? Here Mahler marked this figure "the night bird!"

Not only is the playing of Gielen's orchestra utterly idiomatic and fabulously virtuosic throughout, the vocal contributions are as good or better than anything on disc. The choral singing in 2 is crisp and the diction crystal clear, the soloists in 2,3,4, all stand comparision with any competition. If there is a weak spot in the cycle, it might be 8, where the choral weight sounds nothing like half a thousand, and the organ lacks oomph, but Gielen reveals much that has previously gone unnoticed in the Forest Scene that opens part II.

There are so many great things here that only hearing them will suffice, but a few could be mentioned: the upturn of the soprano's voice at the end of the Chorus Mysticus in 8 that sends a chill right down the back; the exquisite pacing of the tempo shifts in the great Adagio of 3; the heartbreaking solo violin at the end of the first movement of 9; all of 7. The insights are endless. Even if you thought you had memorized every note of your Mahler, this set is a must for anyone who really loves this music and seeks a deeper understanding of it and the soul of the man it contains.

Schoenberg once wrote to Mahler after he heard him conduct a performance of one of his symphonies, "I saw your soul, naked." If you are not afraid to look, now you can see it as well, through the work of the mind, heart and hands of Michael Gielen.

Average customer rating:

Sinopoli and Mahler arent' the best match
Wow!, at first, then: Where's the Beef?
One of the best Fifth's ever

Mahler: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
ASIN: B00003ZA2B
Release Date: 2000-03-14

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.

I bought the Mahler Fifth when it was on a single disc, so I cannot comment on Sinipoli's recording of the First. Still, even if it's an average performance, this set is worth the price of a single full-priced disc to get the Fifth. If Sinipoli brings to the First anywhere near the intensity he brings to the Fifth, then it's an incredible bargain.

Mahler: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4
Average customer rating:
Mahler: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4

Manufacturer: Novalis Diamond
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Mahler | Mahler, Gustav | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0001Z3HTK
Release Date: 2004-04-27

Mahler: Symphonies Nos. 1, 9 & 5; Five Songs; Songs on the Death of Children; Etc. [Germany]
Average customer rating:
Mahler: Symphonies Nos. 1, 9 & 5; Five Songs; Songs on the Death of Children; Etc. [Germany]
Thorborg , Kullman , Ferrier , Kubelik , Walter , and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: Designo
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00092ZAYK
Release Date: 2006-04-27