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Mahler's Resurrection, Gilbert Kaplan/VPO recordin

Hello, Has anyone heard the recording of Mahler's 2nd symphony with Gilbert Kaplan and the Vienna philharmonic Orchestra for Deutsche Grammophone? Some reviewers say that it's a great performance and maybe the best sounding recording of this symphony.

By the way, can somebody explain me why the CD of this recording is more expensive than the hybrid SACD (which has CD, 2 channel SACD, and multichannel SACD layers)? It doesn't make sense to me!!! Do a search by 'Gilbert Kaplan' in the following link if you don't believe me:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/573448/ref=m_mh_mn_bc/104-3997539-4124709

Thanks in advance for your comments.
jorge_err
vvrinc
323 posts
 
The 8th and 5th together?

Is the concert being sponsored by Prosac or the psychiatrist's union?

Also, I guarantee you that the musician's union (representing the brass section, in particular) will make a housecall on the SFS. After the players are permanently crippled, the orchestra and Maestro Thomas can start that eagerly awaited Vivaldi cycle.
kmccarty's avatar
kmccarty
99 posts
 
I find the Kaplan VPO performance overly analytical and therefore boring. There are many other fine performances of the Mahler 2nd - eg, Klemperer (this classic recording is simply amazing for the beauty of sound and performance - be sure you get it in EMI's "Great Performances" series for the improved sound) and Bernstein (check out the London Symphony performance at Ely cathedral)
bluefin
111 posts
 
I bought SACD of this recording two weeks ago. I like it, recroding and performance are both good, very rare! To me, this is one of few that can make audiophile and music lover happy. This is the only SACD Mahler I like in terms of performance so far. Although living in bay area, I have to say that VPO is better than SFO. Somehow, MTT's M? never really touches me as the praise promised. If you don't care so much about good recording and wanted to be touched in the heart, I recommend Walter, Klelmperer, Barbirolli,...
auaarons
94 posts
 
Mahler fans can consider symphonies performed by Klaus Tennstedt and the London Philharmonic. I find Tennstedt's performances to have a correct balance of passion for life, bitterness, fright of death, melancholy, frustration, loss, and love.

Benjamin Zander's performances on the Telarc label have additional CDs where the conductor explains the background and technical aspects of the compositions, which function as great tools for learning Mahler's music.
vvrinc
323 posts
 
Tennstedt's cycle is unfortunately saddled with some of the “early” digital sound that, in spots, has made my nose bleed. It's unfortunate because his performances, I agree, have many outstanding qualities.

Another conductor to mention is Sinopoli. His cycle is extremely well performed and the sound, in particular the 3rd, is spectacular.

Whether the psychotic (Bernstein) or the psychiatrist (Sinopoli), you can find much to enjoy in their Mahler interpretations.
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