Symphony No. 5 in C-sharp minor

Gustav Mahler

Recordings

Top Choice

Sir John Barbirolli / New Philharmonia

1969

Gil's top recommendation; 'the classic.' 'Very emotional, but also balanced and attention to... character.' The Adagietto is 'gorgeous.'

Also Worth Hearing

Frank Shipway / Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

1996

'A great, great Mahler fifth.' Features a faster finale but a 'really long' Adagietto that 'really works.'

Leonard Bernstein / Vienna Philharmonic

1987

'Bernstein, of course, always brought home the emotion... it just all hangs out... Sounds fantastic.'

Václav Neumann / Leipzig Gewandhaus

1966

'Maybe a little bit on the... reserved side, but I think it works really well. Everything just sounds beautiful, just well-paced.'

Rudolf Schwarz / London Symphony

1958 Everest recording

An Everest recording with 'wonderful... full... present, very detailed' sound. The interpretation is 'very dramatic... a little bit on the dark side.'