Bernard Haitink's Mahler Symphonies

[Brünnhilde forever]

For many years Bernstein's performances of Mahler were on top of my list, Lenny was the one who taught me all I ever needed to know about Mahler until I bought the DVDs of Haitink conducting No. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7. Philips did not continue issuing the recordings. 

I think I posted something about those, but can't find it. Anyhow, those DVDs impressed me enough to  buy the Philips set of Haitink conducting all Mahler symphonies performed with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. And I have been listening to them over and over again. There is a difference between Bernstein's sensational performances and the truly romantic treatment Haitink presents.

Whether you want to become acquainted with Mahler, refresh your memory, or hear something new, that set is for you. One drawback, nothing to do with the music, is the way Philips crammed all ten symphonies onto 12 discs, breaking up No. 9.

[Marc]

For many years Bernstein's performances of Mahler were on top of my list, Lenny was the one who taught me all I ever needed to know about Mahler until I bought the DVDs of Haitink conducting No. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7. Philips did not continue issuing the recordings. 

You're referring to the unfinished series with the Berlin Philharmonic?

I think I posted something about those, but can't find it. Anyhow, those DVDs impressed me enough to  buy the Philips set of Haitink conducting all Mahler symphonies performed with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. And I have been listening to them over and over again. There is a difference between Bernstein's sensational performances and the truly romantic treatment Haitink presents.

Whether you want to become acquainted with Mahler, refresh your memory, or hear something new, that set is for you. One drawback, nothing to do with the music, is the way Philips crammed all ten symphonies onto 12 discs, breaking up No. 9.

Try to get hold of the Kerstmatinee live performances. Again: an 'unfinished' cycle, but IMHO worth every penny! I have them on DVD. But I'm not sure if they're available outside the Netherlands.
Here's a Dutch website with them:
http://www.bergmann.nl/webwinkel/index.php?action=article&group_id=44&aid=20366&lang=NL

If you're interested, you might try and send them a mail. Who knows what's possible:
cd@bergmann.nl

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

Several of the old Haitink/Conc'bouw set on Philips were among my first listens to the Mahler symphonies. So just for sentimental reasons, I remain fond of that set, even if I have no idea nowadays how I would regard them.

Two exceptions: the 3rd and the 9th, both of them excellent.

And of course his recording of Das Lied von der Erde with Baker & King.

[alkan]

I always enjoyed Haitink's version of the 6th with the Concertgebouw.   I think the recording dates back to the 1970's, but I have been unable to locate a copy.    Can anyone help here?        Alternatively, can anyone say how the old Concertgebouw version compares with the more recent BPO recording.   I guess that the sound quality is much better in the latter, but what about the interpretation ?

Thanks for all help and advice

[Brünnhilde forever]

The recording of the 6th in this set of Mahler symphonies is from January 1969, you are close! I can not help you with a comparison of the sound and interpretation because I don't have any others, sorry.

But I can asssure you the 7th, performed and recorded December 1969, will overwhelm you. This one I have as DVD with the Berliners and as great as it is, I do prefer the sound of the Concertgebouw in their venue.

[Herman]

But I can asssure you the 7th, performed and recorded December 1969, will overwhelm you. This one I have as DVD with the Berliners and as great as it is, I do prefer the sound of the Concertgebouw in their venue.

I'm guessing the date is 1996, rather than 1969.

Haitink has long had an affinity with nr 7, both in Mahler and in Beethoven.

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

Haitink has long had an affinity with nr 7, both in Mahler and in Beethoven.

And in Bruckner. His second Con'bouw recording (late 70s) is one of my favorites.

[Brünnhilde forever]

Herman:

Symphony No. 1: September 1962
Symphony No. 2: May 1968
Symphony No. 3: May 1966
Symphony No. 4: February 1987
Symphony No. 5: December 1970
Symphony No. 6: January 1969
Symphony No. 7: December 1969
Symphony No. 8 and No. 10: September 1971
Symphony No. 9: June 1969

That's what it says on page 3 of the booklet! 

[MishaK]

Oooh, the 1968 Haitink/RCO/Philips Resurrection is one of my all time favorites.

If you like Haitink's take in Mahler, you should also consider these, all in terrific sound:





There is also a Mahler 1 with CSO, but I didn't think it was quite as good as these. They also recorded a recent concert of the Resurrection which was an amazing experience. Should be out later this year or early next.

[Marc]

Symphony No. 4: February 1987

Shouldn't that be 1967? With Elly Ameling?

[Brünnhilde forever]

Right you are, Marc! 1967!

Am I forgiven when I tell you I typed those last posts shortly after six in the morning, not even washed, dressed and fed yet!

[Marc]

Right you are, Marc! 1967!

Am I forgiven when I tell you I typed those last posts shortly after six in the morning, not even washed, dressed and fed yet!

You are forgiven.
[The Who, A Quick One (While He's Away).]

[Brünnhilde forever]

My friend, who attended Haitink's concert at Carnegie Hall last Sunday, - Bruckner's No. 8 - was wondering why the Maestro walked with a cane and had problems getting on the podium. In a review of the same concert, written by Allan Kozinn and published at the New York Times, it says this:

Mr. Haitink, who turned 80 in March, has been having back problems, the Chicago Symphony's spokeswoman said. He walked to and from the podium slowly, using a cane, and conducted from a high stool. But once Mr. Haitink raised his baton, he seemed as energetic and as focused on fine details as ever.

I certainly hope it is something bothering Haitink only temporary! 

[Herman]

Herman:

Symphony No. 1: September 1962
Symphony No. 2: May 1968
Symphony No. 3: May 1966
Symphony No. 4: February 1987
Symphony No. 5: December 1970
Symphony No. 6: January 1969
Symphony No. 7: December 1969
Symphony No. 8 and No. 10: September 1971
Symphony No. 9: June 1969

That's what it says on page 3 of the booklet! 

Sure, those are the recordings with the Concertgebouw. I thought you were talking about his BPO recordings (you mentioned a Berlin DVD). I just checked and his BPO cd-recording of M7 is from June 1992.

[MishaK]

My friend, who attended Haitink's concert at Carnegie Hall last Sunday, - Bruckner's No. 8 - was wondering why the Maestro walked with a cane and had problems getting on the podium. In a review of the same concert, written by Allan Kozinn and published at the New York Times, it says this:

Mr. Haitink, who turned 80 in March, has been having back problems, the Chicago Symphony’s spokeswoman said. He walked to and from the podium slowly, using a cane, and conducted from a high stool. But once Mr. Haitink raised his baton, he seemed as energetic and as focused on fine details as ever.

I certainly hope it is something bothering Haitink only temporary! 

Chicago sources say it's a pinched nerve.

[Brünnhilde forever]

.... and we all know how miserable that can be!

Get well real soon, Bernard, we all need you spry and mobile as always!

Herzlichen Dank, O Mensch, for the information. 

[Undutchable]

You're referring to the unfinished series with the Berlin Philharmonic?

Try to get hold of the Kerstmatinee live performances. Again: an 'unfinished' cycle, but IMHO worth every penny! I have them on DVD. But I'm not sure if they're available outside the Netherlands.
Here's a Dutch website with them:
http://www.bergmann.nl/webwinkel/index.php?action=article&group_id=44&aid=20366&lang=NL

If you're interested, you might try and send them a mail. Who knows what's possible:
cd@bergmann.nl

I can heartily recommend the Xmas matinee box set. I used to buy some of my cds from the shop in Amsterdam (Kuiper Klassiks) that was the main seller of these discs but I think they went bust about a year ago. Good to see the web providing an alternative source.

The best of the lot for me is the 3rd - my favourite recording of this symphony by far. His Berlin remakes are a real let down by comparison.

----------------
Now playing: Bach, Johann Sebastian - BWV 109 - Ich glaube, lieber Herr, hilf meinem Unglaben
via FoxyTunes

[Brünnhilde forever]

Welcome to GMG, Undutchable! Looking forward to many stimulating exchanges of ideas and opinions!

You mention a christmas matinee box set; is this the same 12 disc set Mahler The Symphonies, Philips442 050-2 we have discussed? 

[Brünnhilde forever]

You're referring to the unfinished series with the Berlin Philharmonic?

Try to get hold of the Kerstmatinee live performances.

Yes Mark, I was ref. to the Berlin set.

And I followed your kind advise, attempting to get the Kerstmatinee. Do you have any idea how challenging it is to order any item from a foreign country and having to guess ones way through the order form in a language one does not speak? Come on now, Marc, Winkelwagen? Stubborn as I am, made it all the way to the listing of countries and, as you suspected, the USA is not listed.

Then still following your advise, I wrote an email to Mr. Bergman, considering the time difference, he got it while he probably was asleep. I look foreward to hear from him tomorrow!

Thank you, Marc! 

[Brünnhilde forever]

Oooh, the 1968 Haitink/RCO/Philips Resurrection is one of my all time favorites.

If you like Haitink's take in Mahler, you should also consider these, all in terrific sound:

This thing about friendship with GMG posters and Mahler fans can run into a very expensive relationship! 

O Mensch, I went to Arkiv, found and ordered the two issues you recommended and while I was in that candy store I also found the Das Lied von der Erde recommended, and a DVD with Haitink conducting Artur Rubinstein, and . . .

Thank you very much, I put it all on your credit card!