Search - Gustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic :: Mahler: Symphony No. 9

A great recording filled with emotion and sensitivity.

Ben | New York City | 10/15/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording of Mahler's Ninth is supreme above most recordings of this work. It matches only another of Bernstein's recordings, that with the Berlin Philharmonic in the late 1970's, in quality. In fact the Berlin recording was an amazing event: there was talk that the Bernstein and the orchestra's main conductor, Herbert von Karajan were in a bit of a feud. Their styles were extremely different and their attitudes toward each other were quite hostile, it seems. Of course, their terms with their respective orchestras were for the most part during a time of "coldness" between Germany and the United States. So it was a one-time event that Leonard Bernstein was invited to conduct the Berlin. Anyhow, getting back to the Mahler, it seems that this recording (that I'm actually supposed to be reviewing) with the New York Philharmonic was one of Bernstein's own favorites. Bernstein himself was one of the greatest conductors of all time; he was able to excite his orchestra into really playing from their hearts and keeping the large orchestral form structured so that the listener could make something out of it. All in all this is a great recording that should be taken very seriously."

Good Recording of Mahler's final Symphony

Jason Quintana | Gilbert, AZ USA | 07/27/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Never heard Mahler's 9th Symphony before? This is an excellent place to start. Bernstein's Mahler expertise really shines in this, his first of three recordings of the piece. What I like about this particular recording is the strait forward manner in which it is played, giving the listener a good feel for the score. Lenny, being his usual self adds a lot of his own personality to the performace, contributing to the experience. However, I personally feel that the Berlin Philharmonic's "sound" is better suited to this piece. Their playing has a certain glow to it that works well with Mahler's 9th. Bernstein's later recording with the BPO in the late 70s is a good example. In addition, there are two Herbert von Karajan recordings of Mahler's 9th with the Berliners which took place in the early 80s. The second version (also on DG costing $30+) is stunning. The two DG performances while very nice are also very costly, and if you've never heard the piece, this recording will serve you very well as an intro. Happy listening."

Bernstein - Mahler : The greatness of music

Ytzan | Athens, GR | 06/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to say that I am a Lenny fan. His Mahler is unique, full of passion, fire-like passion. This one could n't be an exception. The NYPO make marvellous sounds and surprisingly enough the transfer is very good (the big problem with the NYPO cycle would be the sound). Having it in one CD it makes a top recommendation although if you are into Mahler or Bernstein the account with the BPO (2CDs) may give you something more (One and only time did Lenny conducted Karajan's Orchestra - you can imagine the result...)"