Mahler 8

[Contratrombone64]

I adore Mahler's 8th symphony because, for me, the first movement is so joyous and exhiliarating.

One can never have too many recordings of this fine work in my book, but since I downloaded the London Symphony's stunning recording from St. Paul's Cathedral (with a cast of zillions) under Gergiev. I can now die happy.

I've never noticed such attention to detail in the big chorus work, such beautiful phrasing and incredible articulation.

Love it, anyone else heard this amazing recording?

on the LSO Live label

[Fretless]

This is one of the Mahler symphonies I'm missing on compact disc. I have a Leonard Bernstein version with London Symphonhy on LP, but I no longer have a turntable. If you think the Gergiev version is great, I will put it on my wishlist. I have too much of Bernstein's Mahler on my shelf (3, 6, 7, 9). I have Abbado for 2 & 5, Szell for 4 (love it), and Ormandy for 1.

But yes, my favorite portion is the first movement, and I need to get it to know the whole thing better.

[JHC]

The only version that I have is the RCO with B Haitink, I am not keen on it, but really I do not know if the reason is the work or just this particular recording ?

[Contratrombone64]

Haitink is famed for his Mahler, but I don't like his interpretations at all, I find them too safe and predictable.

What I like about his recording is Gergiev's amazing attention to detail with the enormous choral forces ... words with slight accents that just add such beauty and meaning (for me at least).

[JHC]

Haitink is famed for his Mahler, but I don't like his interpretations at all, I find them too safe and predictable.

What I like about his recording is Gergiev's amazing attention to detail with the enormous choral forces ... words with slight accents that just add such beauty and meaning (for me at least).

I found this on the floor [t] it must have fallen from your post

[Contratrombone64]

(an expression of non-comprehension) @ J.H.C.!

[JHC]

What I like about his recording is Gergiev's amazing attention .................................................. ...........................
I thought his was meant to be this, but I am doubting my own sanity now

[Contratrombone64]

Ah I see; his is correct and, as to your sanity, that's a fleeting fancy, surely? ;-)

[JHC]

I must have been having one of my senior moments.

[Corno Dolce]

And what a love song the 8th is, being that he dedicated it to his dear Alma. Just imagine Liverpool Anglican Cathedral as a venue for a performance of the 8th, especially with the hyper-symphonic organ there - my mind reels.............

[Contratrombone64]

Indeed - I'm hoping to get to the U.K. later this year and THAT cathedral is most definitely on the menu. My partner is quite tolerant of pipe organs, thank goodness.