Blind Comparison: Mahler Symphony no.1

[zauberflöte]

I have long thought of "hosting" a Sibelius game, and although my thoughts center on the Fifth Symphony, I also think recordings might be too recognizable.

For some reason I'm obsessed by the Sibelius Fifth. I probably own more recordings of it than any other piece. Many are wonderful but not one is perfect, and probably not one ever will be. But I'm always looking. Right now I'm vacillating between two very different recordings: Rattle II and Berglund COE, but I've had many other favorites over the years.
So if anyone wants to do a Sibelius 5 comparison, I'm in. I'd do it but I'm technologically challenged.

[aukhawk]

I just thought this would be a good moment to log in and say how much I've enjoyed lurking on this thread.
All the tension of a 1st-rate whodunnit!  Top work, to the organiser, great job!

I may be new to the forum but I've had a version of Mahler 1 in my collection since the late 1960s.  And I haven't seen it kicked out yet so I guess that narrows it down a bit, which version it is, maybe it's still in there, who knows?  And I saw Haitink conduct the 9th at the Albert Hall in the early '70s, about the time his first recording of it came out - what a great night that was.

So - like everyone else, I'm waiting on tenterhooks ... (er, where's a thumbs-up smiley when you need one?)

[DavidRoss]

For some reason I'm obsessed by the Sibelius Fifth. I probably own more recordings of it than any other piece. Many are wonderful but not one is perfect, and probably not one ever will be. But I'm always looking. Right now I'm vacillating between two very different recordings: Rattle II and Berglund COE, but I've had many other favorites over the years.
So if anyone wants to do a Sibelius 5 comparison, I'm in. I'd do it but I'm technologically challenged.

Some reason?  How about because it's simply the greatest most mind-blowingly perfect and spiritually uplifting piece of music known to man?

I also might have more recordings of it than any other single work. Berglund COE is among my faves, too. Berglund Bournemouth is pretty fine, and his HP 5th is damned near perfect except for the weak brass. Segerstam with the Danes is another fave, along with both of Bernstein's and Blomstedt SFS.

[TheGSMoeller]

Some reason?  How about because it's simply the greatest most mind-blowingly perfect and spiritually uplifting piece of music known to man?

I also might have more recordings of it than any other single work. Berglund COE is among my faves, too. Berglund Bournemouth is pretty fine, and his HP 5th is damned near perfect except for the weak brass. Segerstam with the Danes is another fave, along with both of Bernstein's and Blomstedt SFS.

That's my fav Sibelius piece, I'll have to check out some of those recordings.

[madaboutmahler]

I just thought this would be a good moment to log in and say how much I've enjoyed lurking on this thread.
All the tension of a 1st-rate whodunnit!  Top work, to the organiser, great job!

I may be new to the forum but I've had a version of Mahler 1 in my collection since the late 1960s.  And I haven't seen it kicked out yet so I guess that narrows it down a bit, which version it is, maybe it's still in there, who knows?  And I saw Haitink conduct the 9th at the Albert Hall in the early '70s, about the time his first recording of it came out - what a great night that was.

So - like everyone else, I'm waiting on tenterhooks ... (er, where's a thumbs-up smiley when you need one?)

Thank you!! And, welcome to the forum! I am hoping to post the results by Saturday at the latest.

So, Greg - would you like to lead the Berlioz comparison? Or should I?

[zauberflöte]

Some reason?  How about because it's simply the greatest most mind-blowingly perfect and spiritually uplifting piece of music known to man?

Ha! Well, yes, I know. I was trying to keep my penchant for overdoing it in check. It's been my favorite ever since someone pointed out to me Philip Glass lifted verbatim the great third movement theme, looped it, and turned into of a section of his "Glassworks" (I was impressionable back then. Did you ever read Morton Feldman's take on the fifth?)

I don't really like  Bernstein in the piece, sumptuous though it is. I just don't associate sumptousness with Sibelius; it's like gilding something already perfect.

The Segerstam frustrates me. It's beautifully balanced throughout  and then he just murders it with a slapdash Speedy Gonzalez ending. I'm sure there's some  pertinent explanation why he does that but I don't care. I LIVE for that finale!

The Colin Davis BSO was the one I grew up with. Still near the top. I remember the old LPs. Each symphony in the series had an Edward Munch painting as a cover. Perfect.

The Karajan DG from the 60s is exquisite, though he, too, doesn't quite make the finale soar to the level it should.

The different Berglunds are fine but right now I prefer the leaner textures of the COE, and positively love the drum thwacking in it.

Rattle I with the Philharmonia was a disappointment after all I had  heard about it. The problems it had are solved in Rattle II with City of Birmingham.

Salonen and other conductors slow the last movement down to mush.

Have you heard the Vanska? I heard it once. It's become a bit of a benchmark but it's one I don't own, It didn't wow me the one time I heard it.

[mahler10th]

How about because it's simply the greatest most mind-blowingly perfect and spiritually uplifting piece of music known to man?

I have decided to put Sibelius 5 with Bernstein and his New York giants to resolve the conflict your comment has thrown me into.  I have to check it out.     It is a jolly good symphony, but THAT good?

[xochitl]

to anyone who hasnt heard the sakari/iceland sibelius 5th it's got the most awesome last movement horns ive ever heard

[DavidRoss]

to anyone who hasnt heard the sakari/iceland sibelius 5th it's got the most awesome last movement horns ive ever heard

Ah, yes, another good one -- and a fine cycle to boot!

[Daverz]

How about a Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique? I could help, I have many recordings  in fact, too make a short one we could just do a blind comparison for the final movement only? I mean, it is one of the most exciting movements in the symphonic repertoire. 

I  have over 20 recordings, and would be willing to help with this one, though I'd really like to participate as a listener in one finally.

[Brian]

to anyone who hasnt heard the sakari/iceland sibelius 5th it's got the most awesome last movement horns ive ever heard

The Sakari 5th is in my all-time top 5! Those horns are amazing, as is the whole finale right up until the last chords (not enough silence, I recall?).

[Lilas Pastia]

When the last few posts talk about Sibelius' fifth instead of expressing eagerness in all those Mahler 1 comparisons, it' a sure sign that this thread is overdue in bringing its long awaited climax !

BTW there's no point in comparing various Sibelius Fifthes: Rozhdestvensky and his USSR TV and Radio Large Symphony Orchestra floors all the competition. I mean, what competition? 

[zauberflöte]

When the last few posts talk about Sibelius' fifth instead of expressing eagerness in all those Mahler 1 comparisons, it' a sure sign that this thread is overdue in bringing its long awaited climax !

BTW there's no point in comparing various Sibelius Fifthes: Rozhdestvensky and his USSR TV and Radio Large Symphony Orchestra floors all the competition. I mean, what competition? 

I believe at this point all the votes are in. We are eager, but  as we wait for Daniel to tally them up, we're chatting. Re the Rozhdestvensky. I'm afraid it's not a favorite. Those clipped notes in the third movement theme are a little unnerving and the brass is braying by the end, at least to my ears. But it is a very Russian sound.

I don't have the Sakari but I've heard it. It's quite fine as I remember, particularly in the first two movements. I can't quite recall the glories of the third movement as heard by others but I'll give it another shot.

[madaboutmahler]

Results shall be posted today!! Very excited to reveal them!

[Lisztianwagner]

How wonderful, can't wait to see them!

[johndoe21ro]

For some reason I'm obsessed by the Sibelius Fifth. I probably own more recordings of it than any other piece. Many are wonderful but not one is perfect, and probably not one ever will be. But I'm always looking. Right now I'm vacillating between two very different recordings: Rattle II and Berglund COE, but I've had many other favorites over the years.
So if anyone wants to do a Sibelius 5 comparison, I'm in. I'd do it but I'm technologically challenged.

Do you own Vanksa & Lahti Symphony Orchestra (BIS)? It's definitely amazing if not the reference one...
On the other hand I also have the complete cycle from L. Segerstam & HPO (Ondine). Haven't reached the 5th but it really sounds nice.

[johndoe21ro]

Results shall be posted today!! Very excited to reveal them!

Is there a chance to include my results in the comparison this late? I'm so sorry... I've been extremely busy with my wife's PhD - working in the same field so I'm helping her a lot with the work.

[madaboutmahler]

Is there a chance to include my results? Is it too late? I'm so sorry for being so late. I've been extremely busy with my wife's PhD - working in the same field so I'm helping her a lot with her work.

No worries, and yes, your results can be included! If you could post them as soon as possible this evening, that would be great!

I  have over 20 recordings, and would be willing to help with this one, though I'd really like to participate as a listener in one finally.

Great, thank you! The thread for this one has now been created if you want to go and sign up!

[johndoe21ro]

Here are the results:
C8>B8>C5>B1>A8
Thank you for your patience.

[Sergeant Rock]

DavidRoss  Beale  TimH   Sarge  Zauberflöte Trung224  mc urkneal  Brian  xochitl  LisztianWagner  Scots John Johndoe

      C5          C5      B8       C8          C5                B1            C8            C5      B1            A8                    A8            C8
      B8          B8      A8       C5           B1               C8             B8            B1      C5            B8                    B1            B8
      A8          A8      C8       B1           C8               C5             C5           C8      C8            C5                    C8            C5
      B1          B1      C5       B8           A8               A8             A8            A8      B8            B1                    C5             B1
      C8          C8      B1       A8           B8               B8             B1            B8      A8            C8                    B8             A8