Deryk Barker replied to my original post thusly:

>But this is a bloody masterpiece for heaven's sake!

Yes - I have heard that it is from numerous sources.  I found a copy at the
public library and checked it out.  It is the Giulini/Fassbaender/Araiza
CD.  Never have I felt so much like a newcomer to classical music.  I have
only listened to it once, (and again as I type).  If I didn't know that it
is considered a masterpiece, I would have returned the CD on the spot.  As
it is, I can keep it for another couple of weeks.

My question is:  What should I look/listen for to make its
"masterpieceness" more evident to me? I am not coming new to Mahler - his
3rd is one of my favorites.  With Das Lied, I seem to be put off by the
singing, whereas I am not with the 3rd and 2nd symphonies.  I am certainly
willing to give old Gustav the benefit of the doubt and keep slogging thru
it, but need a little advice as to why it is thought so highly of.  (Yes,
I know ended with a preposition).

Joel Hill
Tallahassee, FL - USA
ALKAN Web Page: http://www.nettally.com/joelhill/alkan