Here are some fascinating insights into conducting Mahler from British conductor, Jonathan Nott, including nuggets from a conductor's point of view like 'splitting violins' for the 5th's Adagietto.
I'm already hooked on Nott's account of Mahler 3. I have yet to break out his 7 from its cellophane wrapper for some unknown reason.
If you are unconvinced by modern accounts of Mahler, or just Nott's, I'd recommend giving his Mahler 9 a listen on Spotify. If time is pressing, just list to the opening of the first movement, or the last six minutes of the last movement. The latter is utterly exquisite and, to these ears, never feels contrived or as though it is overreaching itself to be emotional à la Chailly or sentimental à la Bernstein (although I do love his Adagietto!). It became somehow more transparent whilst still preserving its wonderful mystery.
I'm already hooked on Nott's account of Mahler 3. I have yet to break out his 7 from its cellophane wrapper for some unknown reason.
If you are unconvinced by modern accounts of Mahler, or just Nott's, I'd recommend giving his Mahler 9 a listen on Spotify. If time is pressing, just list to the opening of the first movement, or the last six minutes of the last movement. The latter is utterly exquisite and, to these ears, never feels contrived or as though it is overreaching itself to be emotional à la Chailly or sentimental à la Bernstein (although I do love his Adagietto!). It became somehow more transparent whilst still preserving its wonderful mystery.