David Rothstein ([log in to unmask]) wrote:

>I think the consensus today is that "Das Lied" is definitely to be counted
>among the symphonies (between 8 and 9).  In many ways the "Abschied" is a
>prelude in spirit to the 9th symphony.

Well, yes. But I still know of a number of people who consider DLvdE a
great work but not the works Mahler hiself called symphonies.

>Regarding the performances mentioned I would like to draw attention
>to the Walter/Ferrier not the famous studio Decca but to the Naxos live
>performance from 1948 (Ferriers's debut in the U.S).  Of course the sound
>is a problem, however it improves and is quite good in the "Abschied".
>Ferrier's performance here is absolutely outstanding.

The sound, apparently (I've not heard the Naxos) is better in the NYPO
Mahler box.

Deryk Barker
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