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Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

post #1 of 52
4/24/06 at 10:23am
Thread Starter 
Has anyone had a chance to check out the San Francisco Symphony (Michael Tilson Thomas) SACD releases of Mahler's symphonies? I believe they currently have released 7 of his 9 with plans to finish the rest soon. I picked up No. 7 last night but haven't had a chance to sit down and check it out yet.
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post #2 of 52
4/26/06 at 6:42am

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

Matt, I've not heard them, but based upon MTT's reputation as a Mahler interpreter and based upon reviews elsewhere of the SACDs, I'm going to add them to my long list of wanted SACDs. I'm not sure, but check out these sites for reviews:
http://www.highfidelityreview.com/index.asp
http://www.audioasylum.com/index.html
http://www.sa-cd.net/home
http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/

Cheers,
Doug
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post #3 of 52
4/26/06 at 7:02am

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

some more reviews from Classics Today (

No. 1
No. 2
No. 3
No. 4
No. 7
No. 9
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post #4 of 52
4/26/06 at 3:04pm

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

I have only purchased the Mahler 1st thus far, but I consider it the to be sonically the finest recording I have ever heard. MTT is comparible to other interpreters which I have owned, including Walter and Solti.
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post #5 of 52
4/26/06 at 3:14pm

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

Just an aside, but...

Ya gotta go for the complete Bernstein too!

Indispensable!!!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=glance&n=5174
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post #6 of 52
4/26/06 at 6:36pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

So much Mahler...
Thanks for the comments Dennis, I think I'm gonna stick with this series for a while, they put a lot of effort into packaging and presentation, and I finally got around to listening to the 7th, sounds fantastic.
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post #7 of 52
4/28/06 at 8:28am

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

there are a few thinqs to say... them are just great
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post #8 of 52
4/28/06 at 6:21pm

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

I have them all. The sound quality is spectacular. The performances vary. They seem almost too smooth, glossing over some of the finer points in Mahler's scores that give the works their primal intensity.

I have all the recent Boulez CD releases as well and enjoy them just as much. The detail in these recordings is just remarkable.

The original Bernstein, NYPO recordings were my introduction to Mahler back in the early 70s. The orchestra wasn't great, but Bernstein put so much (some say too much) of his own emotion into the performances that they would leave one totally drained at the end.

I say get 'em, and the Chailly, and the Zander, and the ...

Greg
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post #9 of 52
4/4/07 at 10:44pm

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

Bump.

They seem almost too smooth, glossing over some of the finer points in Mahler's scores that give the works their primal intensity.

This is exactly one of my areas of concern, Greg. Would you make a similar criticism of the Zander/Philharmonia interpretations, or is he less "guilty" in this regard?

How edifying and accessible do you find the second disc of the Zander releases, in which he talks about the work? Would you consider that a significant "pro" for the Zander releases for someone who is fairly new to Mahler?
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post #10 of 52
4/5/07 at 4:48pm

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

Wow, I had forgotten this thread even existed. I only have Zander's recording of the 5th and haven't listened to it in a while. I will very soon and get back. The Boulez performances are a bit sterile, but that may be because we have become accustomed to conductors adding to a score that already tells them everything they need to know about performing it. After all Mahler was first and foremost a conductor. He hated seeing works butchered by conductors who took too many liberties. But he also rescored all the Beethoven symphonies so go figure.

Paul, thanks for resurrecting this thread. Anytime Mahler can be thoughtfully discussed it's always worth the time and effort. I'll try to post my favorites next time (out of the recordings I own).

Greg
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post #11 of 52
4/5/07 at 5:11pm

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

I look forward to your (and others'!) comments, Greg.
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post #12 of 52
4/14/07 at 9:08pm

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

Listened to both the Chailly and Nagano Eights on Thursday. You have to know that I can't do this without interruptions and other distractions. That would be three hours of pure pleasure of which I have been denied for lo these many years. I still prefer the Nagano. Maybe its the wonderful SACD recording over the DVD-A of Chailly, but I doubt it. They are both superb performances, really. Nagano just felt more "comfortable", if I may use that expression. I've listened to my Solti/Chicago LP many, many times. The performance is impressive in its intensity, but ultimately uninvolving and, to me, lacking soul.

Greg
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post #13 of 52
4/15/07 at 6:30am

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

I'd like to recommend this site/list to anyone who fancies themself as a Mahler afficionado/addict/fanatic. I subscribed for years and probably will again soon. There is more information here than one can absorb. What's lacking is any analysis of Mahler's music from a compositional standpoint. It's all about the performances/recordings. Everyone concedes that his music is great, but nobody talks about how he did it.

http://listserv.uh.edu/archives/mahler-list.html
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post #14 of 52
4/15/07 at 2:49pm

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

I have most of them and they have been unformly excellent. Pure DSD recording chain. I especially like the Mahler 6.
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post #15 of 52
4/15/07 at 11:37pm

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

Thx, Greg, esp for comments re the Chailly 8th DVD-A; had been wondering about that one.

Lee do you have any of the Zander Telarcs? Comparative comments to the MTT SFSO's?

Paul,
The San Francisco 8th has not yet been released. Maybe this fall. The Solti version is fast and furious. I have it on LP. Other 8s in my collection include the Chailly/Royal Concertgebouw on London DVD-A, Abbado/Berlin on DG CD, and a really fine Kent Nagano/Berlin Radio Orchestra SACD on Harmonia Mundi. The Nagano is my current favorite. When the SFSO 8th comes out it will be my only complete set by one conductor/orchestra. Hope they do a 10th as well as a Das Lied von der Erde. I have his Das Klagende Lied on CD, too.

Regards,

Greg Bright
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post #16 of 52
4/16/07 at 12:08am

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

[Delete dupe post.]
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post #17 of 52
4/16/07 at 12:20am

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

[Delete dupe post.]
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post #18 of 52
4/16/07 at 8:15am

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

The Zanders are good also but I prefer the SFS performances.
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post #19 of 52
4/16/07 at 2:31pm

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

I have all the hi-res m/c Zander discs on Telarc, and they were responsible for turning me on to Mahler. Each of them have the additional CD of commentary by Zander. He's fascinating, and the information he shares is simply enriching.

Sonically I find these Telarc discs outstanding in every way, although I would rank them as follows (best on top):

Symphony #3
Symphony #1
Symphony #6
Symphony #5
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post #20 of 52
4/18/07 at 7:43am

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

Here is some more Mahler for you on SACD:
http://www.highfidelityreview.com/ne...umber=12444481
David Zinman conducting the Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra
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post #21 of 52
5/27/09 at 7:10pm

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

So the 8th is still out in limbo, but Klagende Lied got rereleased as an SACD. I didn't buy it because I already had the CD and Boulez' LP. I know some of you old timers are out there 'cuz I checked. Any new Mahler recordings flippin' your lids these days?
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post #22 of 52
5/27/09 at 7:58pm

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

Does anyone know if the tenth symphony, as well as Das Lied von der Erde, are going to be included in this release at some point? Or perhaps they already have been released?
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post #23 of 52
5/27/09 at 11:17pm

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?


Totally... good suggestion.
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post #24 of 52
5/28/09 at 2:37pm

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

Greg, I got the Fischer/Budapest/Channel Classics Mahler 2 SA-CD at your suggestion and am enjoying it as part of my working through/buying different copies of all 10 symphonies.

I already have a 3: the Salonen/Los Angeles/Sony CD, but may get the Zander as well.

Plus there's Gustavo! Eagerly looking forward to the start of his tenure this fall as our new Music Director. Anyone have his Mahler 5 CD on Deutsche Grammophon? Comments?
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post #25 of 52
5/31/09 at 4:41am

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

No new SACDs of Mahler on my part since the Fischer 2nd. I have acquired two complete Berstein recordings of the symphonies though - the early Columbia and the later DG. Fascinating hearing how his interpretations changed over the years.
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post #26 of 52
5/31/09 at 5:27pm

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ockeghem
Does anyone know if the tenth symphony, as well as Das Lied von der Erde, are going to be included in this release at some point? Or perhaps they allready have been released?

"Song Of the Earth" has already been released.

Symphony Store*::*Mahler Cycle

Perhaps you can e-mail the orchestra via site and let us know what they say about the 10--I'm curious about their plans on that (and their 8) as well.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg Bright
No new SACDs of Mahler on my part since the Fischer 2nd. I have acquired two complete Berstein recordings of the symphonies though - the early Columbia and the later DG. Fascinating hearing how his interpretations changed over the years.

Greg by all means--please do tell if you find a perf in either of those cycles that you feel as ebulliently about as you do the Fischer 2. I've been wondering about both of those cycles for years: Dabble? Get one in its entirety? In addition to or in lieu of high rez recordings? Inquiring minds want to know!
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post #27 of 52
6/1/09 at 7:11am

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul.S
"Song Of the Earth" has already been released.

Symphony Store*::*Mahler Cycle
Paul,

Hey, thanks for that. Maybe I will Email them. We'll see.
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post #28 of 52
6/1/09 at 1:21pm

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul.S
Greg by all means--please do tell if you find a perf in either of those cycles that you feel as ebulliently about as you do the Fischer 2. I've been wondering about both of those cycles for years: Dabble? Get one in its entirety? In addition to or in lieu of high rez recordings? Inquiring minds want to know!

Well, I found these sets at an estate sale. Bernstein's early 2, 3, 4, and 5 were what got me started back in what, 1972? I've had his late 5th for years and enjoy it very much, but not as much as the Mehta/Teldec (can't find it right now). And I'm very partial to the most recent Boulez recordings, clinical as they may be (he plays what's written, no more, no less). Whether they are SACD or not is really immaterial to me. I'm just looking for immersive, spell-binding performances that take me to the emotional brink.
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post #29 of 52
6/1/09 at 6:47pm

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg Bright
. . . I'm just looking for immersive, spell-binding performances that take me to the emotional brink.

Right on.

Btw, are you familiar with these perfs on DVD-V?

Amazon.com: Mahler - Symphonies 1, 2, 3 / Leonard Bernstein, Sheila Armstrong, Janet Baker, Christa Ludwig, Wiener Philharmoniker, London Symphony Orchestra: Christa Ludwig, Vienna Opera Philharmonica, Sheila Armstrong: Movies & TV

Amazon.com: Mahler - Symphonies 4, 5, 6 / Leonard Bernstein, Edith Mathis, Wiener Philharmoniker: Leonard Bernstein, Vienna Opera Philharmonica, Edith Mathis: Movies & TV

Amazon.com: Mahler - Symphonies 7, 8 / Leonard Bernstein, Edda Moser, Judith Blegen, Gerti Zeumer, Ingrid Mayr, Agnes Baltsa, Kenneth Riegel, Hermann Prey, Jose van Dam, Wiener Philharmoniker: Leonard Bernstein, Vienna Opera Philharmonica, Jose van D

Amazon.com: Mahler - Symphonies 9 and 10, Das Lied von der Erde / Leonard Bernstein, Christa Ludwig, Rene Kollo, Wiener Philharmoniker, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra: Leonard Bernstein, Vienna Opera Philharmonica, Christa Ludwig: Movies & TV

They're DG DVDs-Vs. Are these "just" video recordings done at the same time as the DG audio recordings of the entire cycle you just bought?
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post #30 of 52
6/2/09 at 2:11pm

Re: Comments on the SFS Mahler SACD's?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul.S

Btw, are you familiar with these perfs on DVD-V?

Amazon.com: Mahler - Symphonies 1, 2, 3 / Leonard Bernstein, Sheila Armstrong, Janet Baker, Christa Ludwig, Wiener Philharmoniker, London Symphony Orchestra: Christa Ludwig, Vienna Opera Philharmonica, Sheila Armstrong: Movies & TV

Amazon.com: Mahler - Symphonies 4, 5, 6 / Leonard Bernstein, Edith Mathis, Wiener Philharmoniker: Leonard Bernstein, Vienna Opera Philharmonica, Edith Mathis: Movies & TV

Amazon.com: Mahler - Symphonies 7, 8 / Leonard Bernstein, Edda Moser, Judith Blegen, Gerti Zeumer, Ingrid Mayr, Agnes Baltsa, Kenneth Riegel, Hermann Prey, Jose van Dam, Wiener Philharmoniker: Leonard Bernstein, Vienna Opera Philharmonica, Jose van D

Amazon.com: Mahler - Symphonies 9 and 10, Das Lied von der Erde / Leonard Bernstein, Christa Ludwig, Rene Kollo, Wiener Philharmoniker, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra: Leonard Bernstein, Vienna Opera Philharmonica, Christa Ludwig: Movies & TV

They're DG DVDs-Vs. Are these "just" video recordings done at the same time as the DG audio recordings of the entire cycle you just bought?

Not familiar with them at all, sorry to say. I would imagine that they were done in concert near the time (like within a week or so) the CDs were done. When orchestras make recordings they like for it to be very near the time when they performed it live so it's fresh in their minds.

However, I do have these two DVDs that are so fine:



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