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Anybody here listen to Mahler?

I have always been a fan of classical music but I never really understood or got into Gustav Mahler music. Over the holidays I’ve been listening to the Leonard Bernstein conducted symphonies and I have to say I am pretty blown away and  Mahler seems like bridge from the Germanic classical music to modern classical music. I am especially smitten by the second symphony also known as the resurrection. Any thoughts on Mahler symphonies that you really like and why would be appreciated. Mahler seems very influential on present composers. . I am especially smitten by the second symphony also known as the resurrection. Any thoughts on Mahler symphonies that you really like and why would be appreciated. Boy does his music work out your hi-fi and especially your speakers

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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 

I'm just finishing up listening to the Mahler Symphonies done by Leonard Bernstein

Very enjoyable.

Regards,

Dan

newbee
4,767 posts
 

I love all of Mahler - finding a favorite is like picking your favorite child! :-) 

That said his most compelling FOR ME, not necessarily the easiest to digest, are his 6th, 9th, 7th, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 1st, and 5th. The last movements of the 2d just blows me away! I can bring down the house. Right up there with the big duet in La Boheme. Love the 1st movement of the 8th, not so much the last movement. His 4th is the easiest to digest, along with the 1st for those just coming to Mahler. His 6th and 9th are best appreciated, I think, by those more familiar with his works. His 3rd and 5th are probably some of his more popular. 

Too many versions to have any 'best' recommendations, but for just starting out I find that Benjamin Zander's recordings, which are quite good benefit from the inclusion of a separate disc  in which he discusses the symphony. I find his version of #1 excellent, if for no other reason than the inclusion of Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen by Christopher Maltman. And, I think, from an audio point of view, most all of Zander's recording are well done.

Another fairly complete (no 8th) is Michael Tilson Thomas' recording with the SFO in SACD for those who care. I find his performances in general are middle of the road. I do like his 7th more than others. 

Lastly, when considering selections to be made, I find that many prefer a broad interpretation whereas others, like myself, prefer a more dramatic music, such as you might experience with Bernstein's recordings.

Hope that helps a bit.

 

 

edcyn
1,876 posts
 

Mahler is my favorite musical artist in any genre. Tunes! Emotions!

If you can tolerate classical vocals, try "Des Knaben Wunderhorn" recorded by soprano Maureen Forrester, bass Heinz Rehfuss and the Vienna Symphony conducted by Felix Prohaska. It'll instantly take you back in time to fantasy Medieval days. Solid sound quality, too.

Mahler's First Symphony inhabits the same magical place. Try Bruno Walter's old recording, in pretty good sound, as well.

The Fourth Symphony is gentle, easy and, again, filled with fine tunes. The final movement is the proverbial child's vision of heaven.

Mahler's Seventh Symphony can get more than a little long in the tooth but the final movement is glorious & friendly.

In any event, Mahler creates complete musical worlds, worlds you find yourself wandering around in.

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