Hello to Mahler symphonies

[LouisMasterMusic]

Hello,

My name is Louis Solomons and I am currently studying ATCL (Associate Trinity College London) in Singing. I undertook Grade 8 Voice ABRSM two years ago. I am an avid fan of classical music, particularly opera, and I always try and listen to what I consider to be the best performances.

Recently, I subscribed to the Digital Concert Hall, where you can watch concerts of the Berliner Philharmoniker online. I have recently wanted to discover Mahler's symphonies in their entirety. Using the Digital Concert Hall, I can now watch Mahler symphonies online (and anything else!). I have the Symphony No.4 in a recording with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Fritz Reiner, and the soprano is Lisa Della Casa. Since Mahler is so complex, I would appreciate an appropriate listening order as a newcomer before I even listen to the CD. I would also appreciate individual reasons as to why each symphony should be listened to before or after another one.

Thank you

Louis Solomons

[Mirror Image]

[AnthonyAthletic]

I likes Mahler, I watches Mahler, Tell me why in order Mahler....Lisa Della Casa...Account Deleted

Soikes...That was short and sweet 

[Slezak]

Hi. I would guess your best entry into Mahler would be the most popular of the symphonies...some of the others get a bit "deep"...the first, second, fifth, and eighth. Luckily, in our area, we had James Dixon performing the Mahler works for many years. He was the protégée of Dimitri Mitropoulos, and considered one of the great Mahler conductors. I have a number of his performances. As to opera, I have quite an extensive collection of well-known & obscure works. I ran The Collector's Vault for 27 years, so my holdings are pretty large. 'Hope this is of some small help.  Steve Slezak  (spcv1@netzero.net)

[ibanezmonster]

Ever heard of youtube?

[Daverz]

Ever heard of youtube?

Yeah, I've heard it.  It sounds very tinny.

[ibanezmonster]

True, but I read this "Using the Digital Concert Hall, I can now watch Mahler symphonies online (and anything else!)"

and I'm wondering if Louis has explored youtube in the last few years (nothing about sound is mentioned). Just a little bit surprised...