I only have the Dover score to symphonies 1 and 2, but I'm trying to get 5 and 6... those two are, after all, my favorite Mahler symphonies.

I'm new here and as you can see, something of a Mahler fan. I've read this thread with interest and my main comment about Bernstein is that, before him, Mahler wasn't really that well known. Sure, there was Walter and Furtwangler and people like that, but to Bernstein's credit, Mahler would not be as popular and as played today as he is without his championing.

My first Mahler record was the old Barbirolli 9 which I bought on double vinyl from a jumble sale. That was me hooked. I have a few versions of each symphony and, yes, the Solti 8 from 1970 is tremendous. Rattle's recent version simply does not get the organ swell at the end that is really required. I'm not a huge fan of the 6th and find it hard to listen to. The 3rd doesn't really work, I think I understand what he was trying to do but it's worth a listen just for the finale. I love how the 4th just dies away without any climax at all. If you are new to Mahler, I would probably start at the 1st and work your way through in order. You can't go wrong with Abbado and the BPO, however Tilson-Thomas is a very good conductor of Mahler too and his San Francisco discs have amazing sound.

What's your thoughts on the Klaus Tenstedt and the LPO set? Dirt cheap, but great quality I think..Good place to start the Mahler journey maybe?

I haven't heard any of that, I'll have to give it a try. Thanks!

I just listened to Das Lied von der Erde (the whole way through); Fritz Reiner/CSO. It was so perfect... at the very, very end, as the music was gently dying away... and rain started to fall outside, softly enough to give a sort of poignancy to the music. The moment was amazing... and so uncharacteristic of Mahler, but oh so appropriate.

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"Aufersteh'n, ja aufersteh'n
wirst du, mein Herz, in einem Nu!
Was du geschlagen
zu Gott wird es dich tragen!"
-Gustav Mahler

I second this. My favorite way to listen to Mahler is late at night when it is dark and the apartment is quiet... put on the headphones and turn the volume up. It's incredible. I come away feeling like I just listened to something monumental as well. Because of this I usually only play some light (well what I consider light) piano music afterwards usually as anything else for a little while just doesn't satisfy - even some of my favorites like Dvorak 9.

Edit: After finishing reading all of this thread, I have definately discovered some new avenues I would like to explore in terms of conductors and recordings - thank you all!

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Remember the 3 SW's: Some Will, Some Won't, So What!

After I listen to Mahler, I just can't bring myself to listen to any other composer. Mahler just seems to throw everything into a practically boring light. Mahler is just so full of life, so natural... his music just blows me away like nobody else.

I am thinking about buying a new recording of Mahler and I'm thinking Sir Simon Rattle. I went on amazon.com and looked at his recordings and one is 15$, while the other is like $34. Anyone know why? lol

2-disc vs. 1?

Was one a SACD?

$33.00
http://www.amazon.com/Mahler-Symphon...1823780&sr=1-1

$15.00
http://www.amazon.com/Mahler-Symphon...1823780&sr=1-2

See if you can figure it out

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Music is the one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind but which mankind cannot comprehend. -- Beethoven

I think 'GRoCing' it just made it cheaper.

Wouldn't you need a conductor at the other extreme from Maximianno Cobra (should we call him Minimianno? ) to fit the second symphony into one CD?

The "Great Recordings of the Century" are usually cheaper than their original releases.

I might be ordering the scores to a bunch of Mahler scores soon (if I have the money...)!