best mahler no. 5

I second Karajan's analog DG Originals, as a very intense, charged reading. I do not agree with those who like the Bernstein/DG. It has the same excesses, oddities & eccentricities of his other later recordings & it never moved me. Solti's London analog 70's 5th is very exciting & dynamic. I have always enjoyed listening to it, & it should not be overlooked. Chailly's reading is ok, but lacks the power & artistry of the above-mentioned recordings.

Kevziek is correct that Bernstein has some excesses and idiosyncrasies, not the least of which is on good system you can hear him humming to himself on occasion. I have always wondered since Mahler was very concerned with religion, and his music often conveys religious ideals, if a jewish conductor like Bernstein has special insights into Mahlers music?

I own six different Mahler's Fifth, and my favorite is Solti's Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1970 (London). Very emotionally involving. You need a good system to play it. Try playing it on a so-so system and the sound just falls apart. The bass tympanis at the end of Movement 1 (Trauermarsch) just become distorted noise. On a highly resolved system, the impact is entirely different. Highly recommended.

thank for the the big help meni

I have Solti's Chicago 1970 LP for more than 20 years and did not have chance to compare it with Haitink. I agree with Vtvu; it is very emotionally involving.