Mahler - Symphonies 1-9

I have been intrigued by Mahler for a few years after stumbling across Chailly's astounding version of the 5th and 10th. I wanted more but where to start? I had a £50 Amazon voucher and spent a week reading amazon reviews, watching youtube videos and searching google, then chose this set because it was the closest to £50. I listened and enjoyed, and especially noted that the symphonies are very well divided amongst the cds, not spread untidily across them, but then I read an awful review of the set in a well respected music magazine and I started to worry. Had I bought a dud? Should I send it back and go for Rattle or Haitink? Well I was enjoying what I heard so I persisted, and for two weeks I listened intently to every symphony. I'm still listening and really loving what I hear. On reflection it's the warmth of the orchestra, they produce a really gorgeous sound, and crucially the tempo is perfectly judged, which is what seems to make or break a mahler performance. I love this music. It's a very rewarding introduction to mahler. I've compared many movements against the readings by other conductors and find I prefer these much of the time. Rattle is painstaking in the way he spells everything out. Chailly has produced my ideal 5th.What I don't like so much on this set is the 7th. I want the intro horn figure to be cold and precise (maybe because of the Castrol GTX advert from the 80s) but here it's played by a prima Donna pouring huge lumps of vibrato smothered heart and soul into every phrase. I'm not so comfortable with that and will look for another version.No box set is perfect. This is really enjoyable. A very well spent £50.

I have always admired this orchestra and conductor, and this time they certainly don't let you down. I have many Mahler Symphonies in my collection, and I would recommend this at the top of the list.

Excellent music