Search - Gustav Mahler, Adrian Boult, Andre Vandernoot :: Mahler: Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen; Kindertotenlieder; 5 Lieder

Penultimate Mahler Songs by Christa Ludwig

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 04/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hands down this is the finest collection of Mahler songs at an unbelievable value to ever come on the market! Christa Ludwig has long been one of the unchallenged mezzo-soprano interpreters of Mahler's haunting songs, songs that found their way into his symphonic writing with great frequency, so taken was he with the beauty of these very personal utterances. Ludwig here sings three cycles: The LIEDER EINES FAHRENDEN GESELLEN with Sir Adrian Boult conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra, KINDERTOTENLIEDER with Andre Vandernoot conducting the same orchestra - both of these recordings dating back to 1958 - and 5 LIEDER (which include Ruckert Lieder and two songs from Des Knaben Wunderhorn) conducted by Otto Klemperer in 1964, again with the Philharmonia Orchestra. The sound is amazingly fine considering the time lapse. But the real glory of this CD is the breathtaking agility and soulfulness of Ludwig's interpretations. Her voice is pure, in the middle of the pitch, and she is able to pour forth the emotions in each brief song like few other artists have found. This is simply a lush recording by a fine group of Mahlerites and we are indebted to EMI Classics for reissuing some of their superb treasures!"

Great Deal

Raymond A. Dergenski | Camden, ME USA | 10/04/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Those of a certain age know these performances and performers. Christa Ludwig has the requisite darkness naturally and the conductors and orchestras provide her with the finest support. Klemperer and Mahler; you can't go wrong. Add Christa Ludwig and at this price, this would be the proverbial desert island disc."