Classical Music for Aficionados

As with others here, Mahler 1 was my introduction to Mahler. (Solti and the CSO). Next was the 7th with Levine and the CSO (still my favorite version, and I think this may be due to Levine’s association with the opera, he brings an aspect of more ’theater’ to it.

Then came the 2nd. I still have problems getting really interested the the first couple of movements except as a road to take getting to the last movement which is my all time favorite climax (of anybody). It really is emotionally moving. It just wrings me out!!!!

Then came the 6th (Sanderling and the St Petersberg PO). At last, for me, a complete, coherent, symphony full of moments great beauty alternating with moments of great angst right thru the final movement. This has always been, for me anyway, Mahler’s best.

The 4th is excellent especially if you want to just relax. It is almost too accessible. :-)

The 3d is just too long for me. But as with all of Mahler the use of chorus or solo vocals, makes it worth while.

The 8th is two different symphonies, in style at least. I like the first, the second not so much. But I do prefer Solti’s and the CSO when I do get it out.

Then comes the 9th. Much as I like it I’ve never put is all together. Bernstein’s 1979 live performance with the Berliner PO brings me as close as I’ve ever come. The 9th fascinates me none the less.

Needless to say Mahler competes only with Sibelius and Beethoven in my pantheon of the greatest composers of symphonies.

Really ?
Mozart and Brahms are better .
And at their best cases can be made for Haydn , Schubert and Bruckner .

The Ninth Mahler Symphony is not only my favorite of his, but maybe my favorite of any composer.  The first movement, especially, is heartbreaking.
I just listened to the 3rd Symphony with Bernstein on DG with the NY Phil.
Magnificent interpretation and state of the art sound on my system.
Having multiple versions of all Mahler’s symphonies, this interpretation is one of the best.

Schubert,

 In your pantheon perhaps. Not mine. Really :-) 

We apparently live in different time zones. While I occasionally listen to Bruckners 7th, 8th, or 9th, time is becoming too precious for me to do it often. I'll also listen to Schubert's 8th & 9th performed by the OAE conducted by Mackerras. Great symphonies sans over orchestration. If one must have some of that then Mackerras provides it with the Scottish SO on Telarc. I grew up with Solti's Weiner Phil performance but lost interest in it after I heard Mackerra/OAE version. I'll pass on Haydn entirely, and for that matter most all symphonies pre-existing Beethoven. 

Horses for courses. 

Indeed!

Horses for courses!