Maazel's Vienna Mahler Cycle on CBS (Sony)

[Conchis]

I'm not familiar with this early digital Mahler cycle. It doesn't seem to be especially well-regarded (but then, most of Maazel's recordings seem to polarise opinion).

Yesterday, I picked up the 2nd and the 9th (coupled with the 10th Adagio) in a charity shop and have given them a listen today. I had low expectations but was very favourably impressed, particularly with the 9th.


Anyone own/heard the whole cycle? What do you think of it?

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I bought this when it was a 14 CD box-set at full price. There's some excellent playing from Mahler's own orchestra and the interpretations are mostly good or excellent. The only one that sags is the 8th. The Solti version of this (also recorded in Vienna, but with the Chicago SO) is head and should above the Maazel in that work. Try the 4th for a really outstanding performance.

[Conchis]

I bought this when it was a 14 CD box-set at full price. There's some excellent playing from Mahler's own orchestra and the interpretations are mostly good or excellent. The only one that sags is the 8th. The Solti version of this (also recorded in Vienna, but with the Chicago SO) is head and should above the Maazel in that work. Try the 4th for a really outstanding performance.

Yes, I was aware that the 4th is highly rated.

So many conductors seem to disappoint in the 8th - probably reflective of the fact that most of them don't seem to like it as a work.

[Petrushka]

Believe it or not, this is still the only complete Mahler cycle with the Vienna Philharmonic under a single conductor. Yes, it's certainly had its critics over the years but the 4th is, by common consent, one of the finest Mahler 4's ever recorded and has long been a highly recommended version. I have that 4th plus the 1st, 2nd and 7th. The 1st is fine, the 2nd ok while the 7th never really takes wing. I had 5 & 6 on LP but never felt inclined to search out the CDs.

[richardfinegold]

Believe it or not, this is still the only complete Mahler cycle with the Vienna Philharmonic under a single conductor. Yes, it's certainly had its critics over the years but the 4th is, by common consent, one of the finest Mahler 4's ever recorded and has long been a highly recommended version. I have that 4th plus the 1st, 2nd and 7th. The 1st is fine, the 2nd ok while the 7th never really takes wing. I had 5 & 6 on LP but never felt inclined to search out the CDs.

I have the 3rd from that set, also acquired inexpensively second hand. I generally liked it, if for no other reason than the sound of the Orchestra. I’ve added many Thirds in the interim and have’nt played for years. I remember that there may have been some italicizing here and there, as being somewhat late to the Mahler party LM occasionally sounded like he was trying a bit to hard, but it wasn’t excessive and the sound of the VPO can cover a multitude of sins. It was coupled with Kindertotenlieder, I think, can’t remember the Singer.

[Conchis]

I have the 3rd from that set, also acquired inexpensively second hand. I generally liked it, if for no other reason than the sound of the Orchestra. I’ve added many Thirds in the interim and have’nt played for years. I remember that there may have been some italicizing here and there, as being somewhat late to the Mahler party LM occasionally sounded like he was trying a bit to hard, but it wasn’t excessive and the sound of the VPO can cover a multitude of sins. It was coupled with Kindertotenlieder, I think, can’t remember the Singer.

Agnes Baltsa.

[Stanfordian]

I only have one real memory of Lorin Maazel conducting Mahler and that was a most memorable one. I reported from a concert in 2011 at Bridgewater Hall, Manchester with Maazel conducting the Philharmonia in a stunning performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 1.

[visualnickmos]

I only have one real memory of Lorin Maazel conducting Mahler and that was a most memorable one. I reported from a concert in 2011 at Bridgewater Hall, Manchester with Maazel conducting the Philharmonia in a stunning performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 1.

The same symphony in the Wiener Philharmoniker set is very good - the orchestra clearly loves playing the work, and Maazel seems to be enjoying it too. One of my fav. Mahler 1s on CD. Others will, I'm sure, have quite differing views than mine!

[Tony Halstead]

I bought this when it was a 14 CD box-set at full price. There's some excellent playing from Mahler's own orchestra and the interpretations are mostly good or excellent. The only one that sags is the 8th. The Solti version of this (also recorded in Vienna, but with the Chicago SO) is head and should above the Maazel in that work. Try the 4th for a really outstanding performance.

Sorry but I am confused as to whether you mean 'Solti's ( Mahler) 4th or Maazel's...

[Conchis]

Sorry but I am confused as to whether you mean 'Solti's ( Mahler) 4th or Maazel's...

EA means that Solti's Mahler 8th is (much) better than Maazel's, but Maazel's 4th is outstanding (Solti's 4th - in either version - is not commented upon).

[cloughie]

EA means that Solti's Mahler 8th is (much) better than Maazel's, but Maazel's 4th is outstanding (Solti's 4th - in either version - is not commented upon).

Yes the Maazel 4th is up there with the best with Kathleen Battle, but both the Solti recordings - CAO/Stahlman and CSO/Kiri are excellent also!

[Barbirollians]

Yes the Maazel 4th is up there with the best with Kathleen Battle, but both the Solti recordings - CAO/Stahlman and CSO/Kiri are excellent also!

The Maazel Mahler 4 is outstanding indeed one example the scordatura effects in the second movement I have never heard more characterfully played.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

EA means that Solti's Mahler 8th is (much) better than Maazel's, but Maazel's 4th is outstanding (Solti's 4th - in either version - is not commented upon).

[Alison]

Did anyone try the much more recent Philharmonia cycle?

TBH I’m not sure if it’s a complete set

These must be among the maestro’s last recordings.

[Conchis]

Did anyone try the much more recent Philharmonia cycle?

TBH I’m not sure if it’s a complete set

These must be among the maestro’s last recordings.

I know nothing about that set. It can (or could) be quite cheaply had, via the usual sources.

A superficial point but I think the presentation of his more recent set leaves a lot to be desired. Those covers look dull and uniform, compared to the magnificent coloured period picutures of Viennese locations that adorn the Sony covers.