Symphony No. 9 in D major

Gustav Mahler

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.'

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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.'

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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.'

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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.'

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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.'

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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.'

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