Robert Lyman wrote: >BTW, any oppinions on the late recording of the complete Mahler >Symphonies, by Bernstein on DG? BMG has the set at a budget price. As you may know, Bernstein made these recordings "live"(or rather "semi-live"as I am sure some overhauling was done in later sessions). I was fortunate enough to be present at his Amsterdam (Concertgebouw) sessions where he recorded nrs. 1,4 and 9 (plus the "Wunderhorn Lieder"). These were very memorable occassions indeed. In another thread Bernstein was discussed as "idiosyncratic", "interventionist", "self-indulgent" and "unbearable". However, I found his approach very rewarding and revelating. Here's a summary of what I know of these recordings. nr. 1 Splendid playing by the Concertgebouw, nobody manages to make the trio in the second movement sound so schmalzy als Lenny did. Plenty of firework in the first movement with a surprising accelerando which really takes your breath away towards the end. The third movement is a real adventure. nr. 2 and nr. 3 I don't know these CD nr. 4 To me the highlight. At the first rehearsal, Lenny made the Orchestra play a tone scale in all imaginable tempi, dynamics and phrasing, just to get used to each other. And they followed him just perfect. There was a wonderfull sense that the music was being invented and played for the very first time. The CD really captures this atmosphere. There is especially some very beautiful playing of the woods in the second movement. The third movement has a surprisingly swift tempo, but what a great storyteller Lenny is here. The last movement is like-it-or-not sung by a boy soprano (Helmut Wittek of the "Wiener Sangerknaben - one wonders what became of him). He brings it off quite well, but I wouldn't want to be without Haitink's third Amsterdam account for this. nr. 5 Not really my favourite symphony, so I'll leave a judgement to others. nr. 6 Perhaps the most difficult of the set. There is a lot of firework, but the final (which is here more than ever the crucial movement) is a bit disappointing. He never really manages to shape it as a whole. My favourite would be again Haitink, the recent Boulez or Tennstedt for whose Mahler I really have a soft spot. nr. 7 One especially dear to Lenny, which he recorded here with the NYP. Not bad, but I would certainly prefer his older SONY recording. nr. 8 I don't know this recording with the VPO. nr. 9 Again with the Concertgebouw. Again the concert a great occasion, but the CD left me slightly disappointed. The second and third movement surely pose the biggest problem. I would certainly go for another, like Karajan's very fine account which might also be available at mid-price with a superb coupling of the Kindertotenlieder with Christa Ludwig. In short, if you like Lenny, you will not be disappointed. Moreover, recording sound is OK throughout. Crucial in these recordings.is the degree in which he managed to win over the orchestra (which I think was always crucial with Bernstein). If that works out and you are open to hear a big occasion, you should be allright. If you are easily spoiled by an interpretation then turn away. You will then never want to hear Giulini, Inbal or Dohnany again. There are plenty of good alternatives in the market, so I would never go for the complete set by one conductor without looking at a few alternatives. It will cost you a few cents more, but then: why should one insist on buying them all at once? "Jos Janssen" <[log in to unmask]>