_Composers – Mahler

Mahler / Das Lied Von Der Erde / Solti / CSO – Reviewed in 2006

More of the music of Gustav Mahler

Das Lied Von Der Erde / Solti / CSO

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A distinguished member of the Better Records Orchestral Music Hall of Fame.

This Minty Decca pressing from 1972 sounds WONDERFUL — another Kenneth Wilkinson/ Gordon Parry triumph.

This recording is part of the Solti Decca Silver Jubilee, celebrating the 25th year of Solti’s collaboration with Decca.

(He started in 1947!) The Beethoven 9th on the TAS List, one of the all time great Beethoven recordings, is also part of that series. Judging by those two records, it appears that Decca still had their act together in 1972, long after other labels were producing garbage.

Mahler / Symphony #2 / Walter – Never Heard One with Good Sound

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This is a Minty looking Columbia 6 Eye stereo LP with No Sign of Play (NSOP). The sound is not very good however.

Mahler / Symphony No. 1 / Solti – Speakers Corner (Reviewed in the ’90s)

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Sonic Grade: C+

A fairly good Speakers Corner Decca. We haven’t played a copy of this record in years, but back in the day we liked it, so let’s call it a “C+” with the caveat that the older the review, the more likely we are to have changed our minds. The right “real” pressing should be dramatically better sounding in every way. They almost always are.

Mahler / Symphony #4 / Reiner – Reviewed in 2007

More of the music of Gustav Mahler

Symphony #4 / Reiner

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A distinguished member of the Better Records Orchestral Music Hall of Fame.

This Mahler work is very accessible and enjoyable. Lovely, smooth, sweet string tone. This, along with the 1st Symphony, are my favorites.

Comparing the Classic Reissue with the white dog above reveals that Bernie Grundman got the tonal balance right (not a common occurrence), but the magic of the RCA string tone has mysteriously been replaced by the thick, glossy strings you might expect on a Phillips record. Consider that the same effect could probably be achieved if you were to buy a Crown amplifier and hook it up to your speakers. I had a Crown DC-300A in 1973 and I don’t want it back.

Mahler / Symphony #1 / Haitink – Reviewed in 2006

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A distinguished member of the Better Records Orchestral Music Hall of Fame.

This IMMACULATE looking Philips Dutch Import LP is the best sounding version of this music I’ve ever heard and one of the all time great performances as well.

The Solti on 180g Decca is a good record. This is a great one.

Mahler / Symphony No. 1 / Solti – Reviewed in 2010

More of the music of Gustav Mahler

Symphony No. 1 / Solti

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A distinguished member of the Better Records Orchestral Music Hall of Fame.

The sound is AMAZING on this is a Minty Decca Black and Silver LP.

Guaranteed to trouce the Decca 180g pressing or your money back.

Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 with Solti on Decca/London

More Gustav Mahler (1860-1911)

More Symphony No. 4 – Solti

A distinguished member of the Better Records Orchestral Music Hall of Fame.

Deep bass; rich, smooth strings, lots of lovely hall space – this copy was right up there with the best we heard, and clearly won the shootout for side two. You will hear immediately why this side two could not be beat – it’s wonderful. (more…)