Also find the vinyl Mahler 7 with Otto Klemperer and the Philharmonia Orchestra on British EMI (i.e., don't get the US Angel or German Electrola vinyl pressings). The CD also sounds quite good.
While this may be Mahler's least popular symphony, it is a masterpiece. Klemperer's way is quirky and eccentric, but my favorite. Listen to it several times and you won't want to play the versions of other conductors. He brings out the beauty, angst and mystery of the first movement like no other. The "nactmusik" movements do indeed envoke the mystery and enchantment of the night. Other conductors tend to gloss over this music with too fast tempos, as if they can't quite figure out what Mahler was trying to say.
The sonics are simply knock out quality and come closer to a live concert hall experience than most classical recordings.
The orchestra is amazing in its virtuosity and tonal beauty. In its heyday, it was in a small handful of the world's finest orchestras.
Can't recommend highly enough.
While this may be Mahler's least popular symphony, it is a masterpiece. Klemperer's way is quirky and eccentric, but my favorite. Listen to it several times and you won't want to play the versions of other conductors. He brings out the beauty, angst and mystery of the first movement like no other. The "nactmusik" movements do indeed envoke the mystery and enchantment of the night. Other conductors tend to gloss over this music with too fast tempos, as if they can't quite figure out what Mahler was trying to say.
The sonics are simply knock out quality and come closer to a live concert hall experience than most classical recordings.
The orchestra is amazing in its virtuosity and tonal beauty. In its heyday, it was in a small handful of the world's finest orchestras.
Can't recommend highly enough.