Who nails Mahler's 5th?

[Bogey]

I will limit you to only one or two recordings each.  Thanks!

[greg]

Chailly and Gielen.

[Sergeant Rock]

I will limit you to only one or two recordings each.  Thanks!

Neumann/Leipzig, Dohnányi/Cleveland, Chailly/Concertgebouw.

Sarge

[bhodges]

Definitely Chailly, whose recording is arguably the finest of his entire Mahler cycle.  I also like Bernstein's later disc with the Vienna Philharmonic. 

--Bruce

[Franco]

I like this one, and it is not often mentioned in these kinds of discussions.

[Drasko]

Bernstein/Wiena, Neumann/Leipzig

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

Yet another vote for Chailly. Of the dozen or so 5ths I've had or heard, his is my overall favorite.

[Renfield]

Barbirolli/Philharmonia, Rattle/BPO - watch the flames erupt!

(Bernstein for me is essential, but a very, very close 3rd.)

[Sergeant Rock]

Rattle/BPO - watch the flames erupt!

I have the Rattle Mahler box but I haven't heard the Fifth yet. I should listen tonight so I can help fan the fire 

Sarge

[Todd]

Bernstein III.

[DarkAngel]

Although in general I prefer Bernsteins first NYPO Mahler complete set performances, his later DG 5th is his best version and probably the best available 5th if you like Mahler on the edge



Also near the top:
Sinopoli/DG
Kubelik/Audite
Gatti/RCA
Barshai/Brilliant
Kondrashin/Melodiya

[Bogey]

What are the different dates for the recordings from Bernstein for Mahler 5?

[Drasko]

What are the different dates for the recordings from Bernstein for Mahler 5?

1963 Sony, 04.1972 Unitel/DG video, 09.1987 DG

[Bogey]

1963 Sony, 04.1972 Unitel/DG video, 09.1987 DG

Thanks, Milos!

[rubio]

The 5th is for me the highlight of the excellent Bertini-cycle, and it is my preferred version of this symphony (compared to other versions I've heard like Neumann (Berlin Classics), Chailly, Levine, Bernstein/WP, Karajan, Barbirolli, Boulez, Barshai, Rudolf Schwarz and a couple of Kubeliks). I find it to be the most balanced and coherent performance.

[Marc]

Difficult question. I love Mahler 5 and heard many good recordings.
So, after some thinking I skipped Chailly and Barbirolli and present to you:

Bernstein / Wiener Phil (DG) - that's a surprise!
Barshai / Junge Deutsche Phil (Brilliant)

[Marc]

The 5th is for me the highlight of the excellent Bertini-cycle, and it is my preferred version of this symphony (compared to other versions I've heard like Neumann (Berlin Classics), Chailly, Levine, Bernstein/WP, Karajan, Barbirolli, Boulez, Barshai, Rudolf Schwarz and a couple of Kubeliks). I find it to be the most balanced and coherent performance.

Yeah, Bertini: good choice.
Another one I had to leave out.

Neumann is much praised here & there, but I was rather disappointed by it, too fast & flat for my likings.
Chailly's recording is benefiting from superb playing & sound!

[Leo K.]

The 5th is for me the highlight of the excellent Bertini-cycle, and it is my preferred version of this symphony (compared to other versions I've heard like Neumann (Berlin Classics), Chailly, Levine, Bernstein/WP, Karajan, Barbirolli, Boulez, Barshai, Rudolf Schwarz and a couple of Kubeliks). I find it to be the most balanced and coherent performance.

I absolutely agree..Bertini's 5 from that box was a REVELATION.  Sorry to shout but seriously it floored me.

[Renfield]

I absolutely agree..Bertini's 5 from that box was a REVELATION.  Sorry to shout but seriously it floored me.

IS THAT SO?

I do agree, it's very well executed. But for that species of Mahler 5th, dark and grand, I think Chailly's the one who nails it.

[rubio]

IS THAT SO?

I do agree, it's very well executed. But for that species of Mahler 5th, dark and grand, I think Chailly's the one who nails it.

I see many people rank the Chailly at the top. In many ways it can be compared to Bertini interpretation-wise. I don't know why, but the Bertini manage to grab me emotionally while Chailly leaves me a bit cold. So there seems to be a minor mismatch between me and Chailly in Mahler (I got his 5th and 9th). Just a personal reaction.