Symphony No. 9 in D major

Gustav Mahler

Recordings

Top Choice

Sir John Barbirolli / Berlin Philharmonic

1964

Gil's first recommendation. 'A consummate interpreter... knew exactly how to pace things, how to milk the emotions in just the right way.'

Also Worth Hearing

Sir John Barbirolli / Turin Radio Italian Symphony Orchestra

1960 Live recording

Gil finds this 'even... a more emotional experience.' Despite 'scrappy' playing and noise, it's 'an incredible experience.'

Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic

1982 Live recording

A 'celebrated, famous version.' Gil finds it 'fantastic... Karajan at his most inspired, most dramatic.' He argues that 'just because it sounds beautiful doesn't mean that it's superficial.'

Sir Simon Rattle / Berlin Philharmonic

2007

Recommended as a 'first' introduction due to its 'so good' sound. Rattle 'really loved delving into the introspection... everything sounds just right.'

Otto Klemperer / New Philharmonia

1967

'A really gripping, dramatic performance... has that sort of grounded gravitas about him.'

Kirill Kondrashin / Moscow Philharmonic

1964

Praised for its 'go-for-broke emotions... they really milk it. It's really exciting.'

Karel Ančerl / Czech Philharmonic

1966

'Beautifully played, beautifully paced. It's got this kind of starkness to it... drama come forth in a different way.'

Bruno Walter / Vienna Philharmonic

1938

'One of the most intense performances... you can just feel it.' The emotion is 'palpable... incredible intensity and inspiration.' Gil's only quibble is Walter 'cuts the coda... a little bit short.'