Wow, so happy you selected Solti/LSO! I have loved this recording for decades and you are the first music critic I've heard to include it in a list of the best 9th recordings.
Interesting talk as always. As a young man with a serious outlook I discovered Mahler about 1970. I believe the first recording I bought was the Solti LSO 9th and it really shook me. It was one of the few Mahler discs available in a small town record shop in England. There is a sticker on the box which says "2 records, £4.10.6" = £4.55.
I have so many CDs of Mahler's 9th, but I can't believe that I don't have any of your 5.Thank you for giving me some future listening to look forward to. I do have Karajan's first, studio recording. I am very sentimental about it since It was the first recording I ever heard of Mahler's 9th; I borrowed the vinyl from my local public library when I was in high school eons ago.
I have about 10 recordings of Mahler 9 : and none of them is in Mr Hurwitz's top 5. I am still a fan of the versions by Horenstein, Abbado and Boulez. With all their differences. There is enough for everyone to like...
The Masur is an extraordinary surprise for me. I am not a true collector, but owned and listened the Karajan live, Bernstein I, Barbirolli and Ancerl and though I am listening in less than ideal conditions and am not able to cast a sound judgment, Masur at first hearing strikes me as most humane, sensed and songful at many spots. He is also naturally recorded and the musicians of the NYPO play as gods. You graced me the soulful experience I was looking for indeed.
I love , Fischer Budapest, Rattle Bavarian and Inbal Frankfurt but also Karajan (live) and Chailly from your list. I'm about to listen to Masur. I can't wait. Oh yes the Haitink Concertgubuow that you mentioned not long ago. What an enthusiastic upload. Motivating!
Definitely one of the works I collect as well. My favorite five are: Bernstein, NYPO & Bernstein, Concertgebouw Pesek, RLPO Klemperer, New Philharmonia Solti, LSO
Thank you, David What a brilliant idea for a video ! Works in which an artist's talent and inspiration combine uniquely to create a work that stands so apart from others that you feel the need to hear every possible performance. I have six performances of Mahler's Resurrection just by Klemperer alone as he was responsible for the longest and the shortest performances ever. I agree totally with four of your five Mahler Nines, and must check out Kurt Masur. I would add Bruno Maderna with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Talking just of orchestral music, I'd say Beethoven's 9th, Tchaikovsky's 6th and the Rite of Spring fall into the 'must hear' category!
I won't compulsively collect this one but still have 5 versions of it. I have your top 3 plus barbirolli and walters notorous 1930s version. Solti and CSO version has been one of the few cds I've ever returned.
Oh yes! Mahler 9th! I've bought Ancerl, Solti and Masur right away. No Chailly for me. I like the final Adagio much better when it's played a little swifter, significantly under the 30 minute mark. I still have Rattle's third take that you, Dave, reviewed here as well. I watched a performance with the BRSO being streamed here in Germany before they put it on disc. I thought it was pretty hot stuff back then and was happy to be able to buy a recording of it later.
I have about 50 recordings; is that compulsive? I love all the ones you mentioned, although I have to go back to the Masur's NYP, as I am a bit sketchy. The one that is special to me is the Alan Gilbert farewell concert with the Kungliga Filharmonikerna of Stockholm, mainly because I was there at the concert which was recorded for BIS. The KFS played as though their lives depended on it. I particularly remember the wonderful viola section, and their front desk soloist ending the movements. I was amazed that the clarity was captured on the recording. This recording is a must-have for anyone who loves Mahler 9.
Masur!? Wow, I never even considered listening to it! 🙃 The Solti/LSO is amazing & one that I didn't expect to love, so I guess I'll give ol' Kurt a shot. Your others are all great, especially Chailly & Karajan. I'd add Haitink/COA & Giulini/Chicago. And Seiji Ozawa did two absolutely wonderful versions, one with Boston & one with Saito Kinen. A shame that he's such an underrated/overlooked Mahlerian.
Here are my top 5 Mahler 9's : Chailly/Concertgebouw Karajan/BPO (1982) Levine/Philadelphia O Bernstein/Concertgebouw Gilbert/Royal Stockholm PO Not listing Walter, Klemperer, Bertini, & Haitink because I don't gravitate to them as frequently. All are very good.
Totally agree on Chailly (perhaps the best of all) and Masur. I found Michael Tilson Thomas with the San Francisco Symphony to be also incredible, perhaps unexpectedly. Will check out the Solti.
I also love Ozawa/Boston 9th for the unique orchestral sound, apparent lightness despite the slower tempo of the outer movements. However, after your reference to Solti/LSO...wow, I've been missing out!
I was a little surprised that Kurt Sanderling wasn't on your list, for the parochial reason that he's on the top of mine. But going to have to go back and re-listen to your choices...
My picks for the Best Mahler Ninth are (as of today), Levine/Philadelphia Orchestra/RCA Bernstein/RCO/DG or Bernstein/NYPO/Sony Solti/LSO/Decca Ozawa/BSO/Philips or Ozawa/BSO/NHK Karajan/BPO/DG (live)
Had not heard 3 (Chailly, Ancerl and Masur) out of the 5--thanks Dave! A Mahler's 9th I have found to be very impressive in both emotional execution and dynamics is Daniel Harding’s live version with the Verbier Festival Orchestra. I know by a prior review that you were pleasantly surprised by Harding's 9th with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, so for another time/topic it would be awesome to hear your thoughts on this latest one.
Great list except I would have put Alan Gilbert with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic on BIS there in place of the Masur. I didn't know Gilbert had it in him.
Dave, for the 80th birthday of Michael Tilson Thomas, could you recommend his best (5 or ten) recordings? You did his Copland two years ago, but I am not familiar with his wider recording history. And, if the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra is now one of the best in the US, is this due to Thomas?
I don't think I would do that since Sony is releasing a big box of his complete Sony and RCA recordings shortly. That should accomplish much the same thing, since I will review it.
I also enjoy Chailly / Concertgebouw. What are your thoughts on the version by Edo de Waart / Netherlands Radio (Holland)? And, the Ozawa / Saito Kinen’s recording?
I'm also compulsive on this piece, though my go-to recording is Bernstein/Concertgebouw. That said, I'm even more compulsive with Mahler's 3rd. The reason behind this is obvious to anyone who knows me.
Less than an hour ago, I heard Bernstein NYP DG Mahler 3 capped by that perfect final movement. The kind of experience only music gives us. (My one question was why Lennie had the F trumpet observe the general pause ' near the end when it's the one instrument that Mahler asks to continue playing. 🤔
Do you, or anyone here, ever "cherry pick" favorite movements to listen to, of any composer's symphonies? Say, for instance, you didn't like the way so-and-so conductor/orchestra did the first movement but oh, how they nailed the second...! Or just listen to the finale or apotheosis and not listen to the earlier movements because either they aren't so interesting or you're so familiar that you don't need the lead up...? Or is my question preposterous? : )
No, it's a fair question, but the answer is that everyone listens however they please, and there is no "right way. I often listen to bits I especially like.
When I do cherry pick, it's almost always Bruckner adagios and sometimes his scherzos. Other works I want to hear complete. The first mvt of the Mahler 10th is a special case and not really a cherry pick. Oh, one more: the March movement from Raff's Symphony 5, the "Leonore." I've read that was also a separate favorite in the 19th century and with good reason. The scherzo from Litolff's Concerto Symphonique is also fodder for separating, though I have a recording of the complete work.
I keep trying to get into Chailly's recording on yr recommendation, and generally his Mahler, but it doesnt move me. I think it's too glittery, too perfectly gorgeous, earthbound. I need more ghosts and screaming in this music. My favorite 9th is Inbal/Frankfurt. Dont hear much talk about it ever. Delivers on both technical and emotional fronts, with jawdropping engineering
I compulsively collect: Das Lied Von Der Erde Bach cello suites Goldberg Variations Iberia Beethoven String Quartets I will spare you the list of operas.
Very nice talk. I am very much looking forward to your random Mahler reviews from the overflow room.
Wow, so happy you selected Solti/LSO! I have loved this recording for decades and you are the first music critic I've heard to include it in a list of the best 9th recordings.
Interesting talk as always. As a young man with a serious outlook I discovered Mahler about 1970. I believe the first recording I bought was the Solti LSO 9th and it really shook me. It was one of the few Mahler discs available in a small town record shop in England. There is a sticker on the box which says "2 records, £4.10.6" = £4.55.
I have so many CDs of Mahler's 9th, but I can't believe that I don't have any of your 5.Thank you for giving me some future listening to look forward to. I do have Karajan's first, studio recording. I am very sentimental about it since It was the first recording I ever heard of Mahler's 9th; I borrowed the vinyl from my local public library when I was in high school eons ago.
I have about 10 recordings of Mahler 9 : and none of them is in Mr Hurwitz's top 5. I am still a fan of the versions by Horenstein, Abbado and Boulez. With all their differences. There is enough for everyone to like...
The same happens in my case. I stick with some usual suspects: Klemperer, Bernstein (NY) and Haitink...
The Masur is an extraordinary surprise for me. I am not a true collector, but owned and listened the Karajan live, Bernstein I, Barbirolli and Ancerl and though I am listening in less than ideal conditions and am not able to cast a sound judgment, Masur at first hearing strikes me as most humane, sensed and songful at many spots. He is also naturally recorded and the musicians of the NYPO play as gods. You graced me the soulful experience I was looking for indeed.
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I love , Fischer Budapest, Rattle Bavarian and Inbal Frankfurt but also Karajan (live) and Chailly from your list. I'm about to listen to Masur. I can't wait. Oh yes the Haitink Concertgubuow that you mentioned not long ago. What an enthusiastic upload. Motivating!
Definitely one of the works I collect as well. My favorite five are:
Bernstein, NYPO & Bernstein, Concertgebouw
Pesek, RLPO
Klemperer, New Philharmonia
Solti, LSO
Great series idea!
Thank you, David What a brilliant idea for a video !
Works in which an artist's talent and inspiration combine uniquely to create a work that stands so apart from others that you feel the need to hear every possible performance. I have six performances of Mahler's Resurrection just by Klemperer alone as he was responsible for the longest and the shortest performances ever.
I agree totally with four of your five Mahler Nines, and must check out Kurt Masur. I would add Bruno Maderna with the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
Talking just of orchestral music, I'd say Beethoven's 9th, Tchaikovsky's 6th and the Rite of Spring fall into the 'must hear' category!
I won't compulsively collect this one but still have 5 versions of it. I have your top 3 plus barbirolli and walters notorous 1930s version. Solti and CSO version has been one of the few cds I've ever returned.
Great choices
Oh yes! Mahler 9th! I've bought Ancerl, Solti and Masur right away. No Chailly for me. I like the final Adagio much better when it's played a little swifter, significantly under the 30 minute mark.
I still have Rattle's third take that you, Dave, reviewed here as well. I watched a performance with the BRSO being streamed here in Germany before they put it on disc. I thought it was pretty hot stuff back then and was happy to be able to buy a recording of it later.
I have about 50 recordings; is that compulsive? I love all the ones you mentioned, although I have to go back to the Masur's NYP, as I am a bit sketchy. The one that is special to me is the Alan Gilbert farewell concert with the Kungliga Filharmonikerna of Stockholm, mainly because I was there at the concert which was recorded for BIS. The KFS played as though their lives depended on it. I particularly remember the wonderful viola section, and their front desk soloist ending the movements. I was amazed that the clarity was captured on the recording. This recording is a must-have for anyone who loves Mahler 9.
Masur!? Wow, I never even considered listening to it! 🙃 The Solti/LSO is amazing & one that I didn't expect to love, so I guess I'll give ol' Kurt a shot. Your others are all great, especially Chailly & Karajan.
I'd add Haitink/COA & Giulini/Chicago. And Seiji Ozawa did two absolutely wonderful versions, one with Boston & one with Saito Kinen. A shame that he's such an underrated/overlooked Mahlerian.
Here are my top 5 Mahler 9's :
Chailly/Concertgebouw
Karajan/BPO (1982)
Levine/Philadelphia O
Bernstein/Concertgebouw
Gilbert/Royal Stockholm PO
Not listing Walter, Klemperer, Bertini, & Haitink because I don't gravitate to them as frequently. All are very good.
It's good to see Gilbert on your list--it's an amazingly fine and underrated version.
I bought the Ancerl recording because of one of Dave's videos, and it is one of the best. I also recommend it.
Totally agree on Chailly (perhaps the best of all) and Masur. I found Michael Tilson Thomas with the San Francisco Symphony to be also incredible, perhaps unexpectedly. Will check out the Solti.
I also love Ozawa/Boston 9th for the unique orchestral sound, apparent lightness despite the slower tempo of the outer movements. However, after your reference to Solti/LSO...wow, I've been missing out!
I was a little surprised that Kurt Sanderling wasn't on your list, for the parochial reason that he's on the top of mine. But going to have to go back and re-listen to your choices...
My picks for the Best Mahler Ninth are (as of today),
Levine/Philadelphia Orchestra/RCA
Bernstein/RCO/DG or Bernstein/NYPO/Sony
Solti/LSO/Decca
Ozawa/BSO/Philips or Ozawa/BSO/NHK
Karajan/BPO/DG (live)
This isn't about "the best." It's simply the ones you listen to most often,
Had not heard 3 (Chailly, Ancerl and Masur) out of the 5--thanks Dave!
A Mahler's 9th I have found to be very impressive in both emotional execution and dynamics is Daniel Harding’s live version with the Verbier Festival Orchestra. I know by a prior review that you were pleasantly surprised by Harding's 9th with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, so for another time/topic it would be awesome to hear your thoughts on this latest one.
Great list except I would have put Alan Gilbert with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic on BIS there in place of the Masur. I didn't know Gilbert had it in him.
Neither did I. It's a great version, but for some reason not one that I reach for regularly--maybe because of where it's filed.
Dave, for the 80th birthday of Michael Tilson Thomas, could you recommend his best (5 or ten) recordings? You did his Copland two years ago, but I am not familiar with his wider recording history. And, if the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra is now one of the best in the US, is this due to Thomas?
I don't think I would do that since Sony is releasing a big box of his complete Sony and RCA recordings shortly. That should accomplish much the same thing, since I will review it.
@@DavesClassicalGuide Thanks, I look forward to your review of it.
I also enjoy Chailly / Concertgebouw. What are your thoughts on the version by Edo de Waart / Netherlands Radio (Holland)? And, the Ozawa / Saito Kinen’s recording?
Have a look at the Mahler 9 "Repertoire" video.
I'm also compulsive on this piece, though my go-to recording is Bernstein/Concertgebouw.
That said, I'm even more compulsive with Mahler's 3rd. The reason behind this is obvious to anyone who knows me.
Less than an hour ago, I heard Bernstein NYP DG Mahler 3 capped by that perfect final movement. The kind of experience only music gives us. (My one question was why Lennie had the F trumpet observe the general pause ' near the end when it's the one instrument that Mahler asks to continue playing. 🤔
For me, it´s Bach´s Art of Fugue.: harpsichord, piano, organ, srrings, saxophones, recorders...
Do you, or anyone here, ever "cherry pick" favorite movements to listen to, of any composer's symphonies? Say, for instance, you didn't like the way so-and-so conductor/orchestra did the first movement but oh, how they nailed the second...! Or just listen to the finale or apotheosis and not listen to the earlier movements because either they aren't so interesting or you're so familiar that you don't need the lead up...? Or is my question preposterous? : )
No, it's a fair question, but the answer is that everyone listens however they please, and there is no "right way. I often listen to bits I especially like.
When I do cherry pick, it's almost always Bruckner adagios and sometimes his scherzos. Other works I want to hear complete.
The first mvt of the Mahler 10th is a special case and not really a cherry pick.
Oh, one more: the March movement from Raff's Symphony 5, the "Leonore." I've read that was also a separate favorite in the 19th century and with good reason. The scherzo from Litolff's Concerto Symphonique is also fodder for separating, though I have a recording of the complete work.
I keep trying to get into Chailly's recording on yr recommendation, and generally his Mahler, but it doesnt move me. I think it's too glittery, too perfectly gorgeous, earthbound. I need more ghosts and screaming in this music.
My favorite 9th is Inbal/Frankfurt. Dont hear much talk about it ever. Delivers on both technical and emotional fronts, with jawdropping engineering
I'm sorry Chailly doesn't move you, but Inbal is really good too. I think it's ignored because of availability issues.
I compulsively collect:
Das Lied Von Der Erde
Bach cello suites
Goldberg Variations
Iberia
Beethoven String Quartets
I will spare you the list of operas.
For me it was Die Winterreise, until the voice of reason stopped it when I got to 14.
@@clementewerner I guess I did that with Dichterliebe when I was much younger.