Vote for your absolute favourite Mahler Symphony!

[Fafner]

I would not rate the First the highest, but it is definitely my favourite, meaning I listen to it most often. Probably because it is so "bite-sized".   

[Ken B]

Lied, 6, 9, 2, but the top 3 are really really close.

Least favorite 8 by far. Then 1. If I could unhear 8 i would!

[Ken B]

I am become more and more accustomed to it.  In fact, for vocal and choral works, I prefer foreign languange.  I cannot stomach and detest works sung in language I can understand.  I think it has to do with my now being averse to pop/rock music.

Probably why I detest 'A Sea Symphony' and 'The Mystic Trumpeter' so much.  So, I know to avoid English vocal/choral music especially.

When I can't understand the language, I like it better because the human voice becomes more like just another instrument for me.

Here's where the early music guy suggests you try some renaissance polyphony, which is in Latin.
That would be me!

[Jay F]

Hmmm...I'd not voted on this before.

My vote went to No. 7, which has become my favorite over the years along with 2 and 6. I could just as easily have voted for either of them, but I thought No. 7 might be suffering in the voting, as it has this reputation for being "difficult" or "inaccessible," neither of which I have ever found it to be.

My favorites:
Both Bernsteins, with the DG given a slight edge
Abbado I

honorable mention to a couple of newer versions:
Tilson-Thomas
Barenboim

My favorites in No. 2:
Bernstein DG
Bernstein CBS
Abbado I
Klemperer
Solti LSO

and No. 6:
Bernstein CBS
HVK

[Minor Key]

Had to vote on this one as Mahler is my favorite.
2, 6, or 9.  But it has to be 9, I really connected with it during a difficult time in my life. The darkness, etc, really spoke to me.

[aligreto]

A tough decision between 1, 4 and 9 but 4 got my vote.

[Cato]

Glad to see our newer members resuscitating this topic, and others!

Quote from: Brahmsian on September 13, 2011, 06:09:59 AM

In fact, for vocal and choral works, I prefer foreign languange.  I cannot stomach and detest works sung in language I can understand.

When I can't understand the language, I like it better because the human voice becomes more like just another instrument for me.

Bruckner supposedly listened to Goetterdaemmerung and wondered why Bruenhilde was immolated at the end. 

I recently downloaded Sergei Taneyev's opera The Oresteia, and no text was provided, but the opera is still wonderful, even though I have only a rough idea of the content of the libretto.  So, yes, the voices can be heard purely as instruments.

Perhaps Symphony #8 would be loved more with such an attitude?   

[Daverz]

I see I voted for 3, but lately I find the finale just too long.  I'd probably vote for 9 now, except that 9 is too valedictory to be listened to very often.

[Christo]

Six. And Seven (those Night Musics, you know).

[Jo498]

I see I voted for 3, but lately I find the finale just too long. 

And the rest, especially the first movement, is not too long...?

I'd probably vote for 9 now, except that 9 is too valedictory to be listened to very often.

I agree, but 9 is clearly my favorite anyway.

[Daverz]

And the rest, especially the first movement, is not too long...?

Apparently not.