Sony Masterworks

Bernstein Century - Mahler: Symphony No 3, Etc / New York Po

$15.98

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Details

Composer
MAHLER, GUSTAV
Artist
Bernstein
Format
CD
Discs
2
Label
Sony Masterworks
Released
Jul 27, 1999
Catalog #
S2K61831
UPC
074646183120

About


This was the finest performance of Mahler's Third when it was first issued back in 1962, and in some ways it has never been surpassed. Bernstein catches the riotous vulgarity of the first movement march music like no other conductor--not even his own digital remake reaches the level of sheer abandon he whips up here, and he also has the best of all fifth movements (bright and cheery, with dazzlingly prominent percussion). Other, more recent performances may match or even supercede this one in this or that detail, but on the whole the status of this performance as the reference by which all others are judged remains unchallenged. This performance also was the symphony's stereo debut, and Sony's latest remastering is a complete success. Jennie Tourel's performances of the songs are not without controversy. Her voice never was conventionally "beautiful," but her musical perceptions always were dead on the mark, and so it proves here. At mid-price, this is great listening.

-- David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com
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K
Keith Wilcox

This is a CD issue of the original 1960's recording. At that time, it was one of the few recordings available. From the first issue of the original recording, it has been regarded as a reference recording, and even though it is sixty years old, it retains that designation. The NY Phil. from this period was in good shape, and they responded to Bernstein's direction beautifully throughout the symphony. The ending of the finale is the crowning moment. Because this was a studio recording and not a live recording of a concert, the brass section plays gloriously, and they sound fresh, unlike a concert situation where their shining moment comes at the end of an hour-and-a-half rigorous playing. The added vocal selections are an added bonus in every sense of the word. This is a CD that every lover of Mahler's music should own.