I was curious of what you all thought the best recording of Symphony No. 5 was by Mahler. I looked in my little Classical Music book and it gave me Leonard Bernstein's live recording with Vienna Philharmonic and John Barbirolli. I personally like Michael Tilson Thomas' interpretations of Mahler and from the samples on iTunes, it sounds exceptional. What is everyone's suggestions as to which recording I should buy?

Thanks

The music critic of the Dallas Morning News suggested The Philharmonia with Benjamin Zander which I purchased but my personal favorite is the re-issue of the Chicago Symphony with Solti which was recorded around 1970.

I have 'The London Philharmonic' with Klaus Tennstedt It was a live recording at the 1988 Royal Festival Hall, it has that extra excitement that you get with a live recording.

that depends on what you meant by "best".

I would want it to be loud and fast, for one. I listened to John Barbirolli's and it has a slower, softer sound to it. I'm sure Bernstein's would be load and fierce, which sounds like me. You tell me though, which interpretation do YOU like the best.

solti/chicago

dj

Bernstein for me.

Barbirolli is great in the first two movements and the adagietto although I prefer Rattle (BPO) in the tremendous scherzo and the final movement. It's a wonderful symphony though!

i heard lots of 5ths, and i don't really have a favorite. The the only one that left an impression on me was Barshai's 5th with Junge Deutsche Philharmonie, it is coupled with Mahler's 10th also, and the 10th is actually one of the best too.

i enjoy Bernstein

For the Bandit, a longtime Mahlerite, Solti/CSO gets top spot, followed by Rattle/BPO.

I second the Solti and Rattle.

I went ahead and bought Bernstein since on iTunes it said he did such an amazing powerful job. I was actually a little disappointed. The opening horn wasn't even as good as I expected. I assume I will have to get Solti or Rattle next or maybe one of the lesser known ones that you all have mentioned.

Thanks

I've been watching this thread with interest, since I've earlier described Mahler's 5th as "my favorite symphony not written by somebody named 'Beethoven.'"

I actually prefer Tennstedt to Solti, but Solti's a great recommendation as well... so I remained silent 'til now.

We may not live long enough to ever hear anyone do as great a job on the initial exposed-Trumpet-solo as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Adolph Herseth.

A CTP-seal-of-approval on the consensus recommendation here- ... and an enjoinder to take TalkClassical consensus recommendations more seriously next time- O.K.?

Ok, so I went on YouTube and typed both Tennstedt (whom I didn't recognize until I remembered that this was the guy whose podium fell down while conducting Gotterdammerung) and Adolph Herseth and they both brought up nothing on Mahler's 5th. So tell me, are you suggesting that I buy the recording with CSO, or the recording with the LSO? I'll look on iTunes when I get a free chance later.