Mahler - "Kindertotenlieder"?

[anubisgrau]

I've just seen a terrific modern dance play by Brasilian Ismael Ivo that incorporated parts of Gustav Mahler's "Kindertotenlieder".

Hopefully someone can point me to the best (CD) releases of the piece, many thanks!

 

[alanbeeb]

my favourite...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00008MLU0/?tag=pinkfishmedia-21

 

[Tam Pollard]

Well, personally, for me this is a no brainer. There is nobody who sings these songs like Kathleen Ferrier. There is but one reservation, given she died (tragically young), the recording dates from 1949 and the sound quality is poor. However, there is a haunting quality to her voice that is extraordinary. Looking on Amazon now there seem to be more than one recording, the one I have is from Naxos historical and with Bruno Walter and the VPO which also has a recording of the 4th Symphony:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00009OOE1/?tag=pinkfishmedia-21

There is also the official EMI pressing which may offer better sound:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00002439M/?tag=pinkfishmedia-21


However, sonic imperfections are insignifcant, in my view, next to the qualities of her voice.

regards, Tam

 

[Basil]

I didn't think I had that recording, but I've just found it! It's coupled with the 1938 ninth symphony with the VPO.

I'll try to play it sometime in the future, I'm not sure I could face it at the moment!

It's definitely a "must have" recording.

 

[Tam Pollard]

I keep meaning to pick up the 1938 recording of the 9th. It has the distinction of being the premier recording and while made using wax cylinders, it sounds remarkably good (they played some on CD masters a while back).

regards, Tam

 

[Basil]

I'm shocked you don't have it, but I have good news! I have a copy on CD you can have but it doesn't have Kindertotenlieder on it. It's the EMI "References" series.

Indeed, for 1938 the sound is remarkable.

I'd add the Walter/Ferrier Kindertotenlieder to my "definitive" pile without hesitation.

 

[Tam Pollard]

Thanks Basil - that's very kind. Nice to know I can still shock. I do have a Walter recording - from 1961 with the Colombia Symphony Orchestra which is pretty fine too.

While on Mahler, have just been listening to a stunning recording of the first symphony from Jansons and the Oslo Philharmonic, one of the finest recordings I have heard (it is coupled with the 9th, an interesting pairing, which I'm now very much looking forward to).

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00005UVXB/?tag=pinkfishmedia-21


regards, Tam