Mahler: Symphony No. 9 cover
Recorded
Released

This 1979 live recording, the only collaboration between Bernstein and the Berlin Philharmonic, is a standout in Bernstein’s celebrated Mahler catalogue. Bernstein generally lays it on thick in his conducting work, making his presence as an interpreter continually felt, and in many cases it’s too much. But in this Mahler symphony, by turns tender, bitter, anguished and ever-morbid, it works. Bernstein’s performance sounds as if it is perpetually about to fly apart under its own intensity, while other performances — like Karajan’s 5 years later with the same orchestra — are merely glossy and well-sculpted. Bernstein’s fourth movement, in particular, reaches levels of tension that one can scarcely believe possible.

Sean Wood

Suggestions
Handel: Messiah cover

Handel: Messiah

Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
 Schütz: Motets and Concertos cover

Schütz: Motets and Concertos

English Baroque Soloists, His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts, John Eliot Gardiner
Miserere Mei Deus cover

Miserere Mei Deus

Cappella Amsterdam, Daniel Reuss, Josquin Des Prez
Farrenc: Symphonies Nos 1 & 3 cover

Farrenc: Symphonies Nos 1 & 3

Insula Orchestra, Laurence Equilbey
Jascha Heifetz plays Beethoven (Sonatas & Concerto) cover

Jascha Heifetz plays Beethoven (Sonatas & Concerto)

Ludwig van Beethoven, Jascha Heifetz
Brahms: Symphony No. 4; MacMillan: Larghetto for Orchestra cover

Brahms: Symphony No. 4; MacMillan: Larghetto for Orchestra

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Manfred Honeck
Beethoven: 9 Symphonies (Recordings From 1961-62) cover

Beethoven: 9 Symphonies (Recordings From 1961-62)

Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Herbert von Karajan
Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring; Stokowski: Bach Transcriptions cover

Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring; Stokowski: Bach Transcriptions

Philadelphia Orchestra, Yannick Nézet-Séguin