Mahler...OK I'm hooked

keep-em in numerical order (except for 4 - you can do that anytime). my recommendations for #3 on lp, Bernstein again with the NYP or Horenstein and the LSO (if you can ever find it). I also have and enjoy Tennstedt, (an excellent Mahler conductor with less than the greatest technical support) and the LPO on EMI for a more idiomatic performance. enjoy........

Dietrich Fischer-Diskau singing Kindertotenlieder on DG - easy to find used and, in my book, essential Mahler. Heartbreakingly beautiful/sad - Mahler lost at least one child and this was his response... Also Das Lied Von der Erde (female vocal with gorgeous orchestration), lots of versions on lp, easy to find used.

For the BEST 2nd ----> Rattle's version has won nearly every award. I would put it at or near the top as the best CD I own.

ditto to drrdiamond,rattle's version is top shelf for #2 mahler symphony.true masterpiece and great liner notes to boot.