Search - Mahler, Maazel, Vpo :: Symphony 1

A Masterful Performance

themusicman83 | Rochester, NY | 02/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This performance of Mahler's first symphony must rank among the interpretations of Walter, Bernstein, Horenstein, all great Mahler conducters. Lorin Maazel's tempos are always intriguing, at times slower than the norm, other times, faster. Never a dull moment in this, or any of the other Mahler Symphonies recorded by Maazel with the Vienna Philharmonic on their 150th Anniversary. Regarding the orchestra itself, it must be the ultimate Mahler orchestra, the string sections a perfect example of musical warmth and the brass a terrific example of power. If you can find the entire set as it was released originally, as 14 Compact Discs, please buy it, the performances are worthy of the extra money. If you cannot find it, purchase the symphonies separately as Sony re-releases them. Definitely worth it for these amazing performances."

One of the finest recordings of Mahler's 1st Symphony

John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 05/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although I think better performances of Mahler's 1st Symphony are available with Abbado, Bernstein, and Boulez conducting, this fine recording does deserve recognition as one of the finest recordings of this symphony. Without question, it should be regarded as one of the highlights of Lorin Maazel's Mahler symphony cycle with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Never have I heard the strings play with such lush warmth as I have heard from the Vienna Philharmonic's string section. They play with ample warmth without losing any technical perfection. Similar comparisons can be made for the orchestra's brass section too. Maazel's tempos seem right, and he doesn't give as exuberant a reading of Mahler's score as others, most notably Bernstein, have been accused of. Sony's sound engineers have produced yet another superbly well-balanced recording. If you like Maazel's reading of Mahler's 1st Symphony, you should also enjoy his Sony recording of Mahler's 4th Symphony."

Supreme Recording of Mahler's #1

Ursula | Knightsen, CA United States | 08/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a huge fan of Mahler and his Symphony #1. (Although #2 is my fave.) Although Bruno Walter is considered to be the authoritative interpreter of Mahler's work, having known Mahler and worked with him personally, I find Walter's #1, which I do have on CD, does not begin to compare to Lorin Maazel's version. Maazel captures all the nuances -- the humor, the pathos, the grandeur -- of the Titan Symphony. I've even attended a couple of live performances with Herbert Blomstedt and Michael Tilson Thomas conducting. No one that I've ever listed to on CD or in person can top this performance led by Lorin Maazel. If you like Mahler's #1, you must do yourself the favor and purchase this CD. I especially love to blast the 4th movement in my car. The amplifier under the front seat and the boom box in the trunk really make the windows rattle and sends chills through my spine. I have to pull over lest I cause an accident, as I don't think my insurance policy covers Mahler timpani-induced head-ons! Listen to this #1, then listen to Walter's #2 with the NY Philharmonic (see my other reviews for a link to that CD) --- the one-two punch of these two symphonies will leave you in another realm. I don't know how Mahler managed to write the music he did, but thank God he was born and left us his wonderful music!



By the way, the Adagietto from #5 has no place on this recording. I love symphony #5, but I hate it that one movement was extracted from that symphony and placed on this CD. Just program your CD or your PC to skip the adagiatto when you are playing this; it just gets in the way. I'm sure Mahler is having a hissy fit in his grave over this one!"