Dear All, I want to share this review of the Barbirolli Mahler 9:

   http://www.classicstoday.com/review.asp?ReviewNum=5728

It was a relief to read it as I bought the CD and disliked it so much
I took it back within days.  The reviewer picked up on just some of the
things I dislike about this recording.  First, the sound lacks impact,
with insufficient clarity from timpani and brass.  The end of the 3rd
movement is slow and dull.  The great crescendo of the 4th movement lacks
powerful rubatto and, again, sonic impact.  Yet this is the recording
so many critics rave about and has recently been reissued as an EMI GROC.

I hold out waiting for a great Mahler 9.  Karajan was too beatiful and
bloated for me.  Walter in 1939 was nearer the mark but the VPO playing
is frankly poor.

I'd love to hear the deleted Dohnanyi although I'm concerned he may not
have the emotional heft for the work.  He certainly has the fine band
and sound engineering.  I'd also be curius to hear the deleted live BBCPO
Sanderling recording.

All the best,

David Harbin
Nottingham, UK