One recording for system evaluation?

[bonzo75]

I have the second cover from top which comes with the original Columbia sax.

I had the third in your post threw it away

 

[Mikem53]

Mahler's 2nd was a signature piece for Otto Klemperer. His 1963 recording from EMI/Angel made in Kingsway Hall London with the Philharmonia Orchestra features Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and Hilde Rossl-Majdan and continues since that day as a thriller.

My copy is from Pathe Marconi (French EMI). 2C181-00570/1 (gorgeous cover)

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Of it, somewhat famous Mahler critic/commenter Tony Duggan writes:

"This is an essential recording for any collection: the greatest interpretation of Mahler's Second ever placed before the public, made under ideal studio conditions ...." Review.

The Klemperer is more frequently found with a cover similar to this below. The branding across the top may be Columbia or Angel - 2 albums. I've seen the packaging with two separate covers or as one. COLUMBIA SAX 2473 2474, ANGEL 3634.

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There is also an EMI UK release as a box with a picture of Klemperer smoking a cigar on the cover. SLS-806.

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Then there is Bruno Walter on Columbia with the New York Philharmonic. I find this an extraordinarily power-filled/gripping/compelling performance and it could be my regular favorite but for the typically crackly vinyl that seems more the rule than the exception for Columbia classical issuances. (Their jazz always seemed to fair better - don't know why.) For optimal sound it really should be played using the Columbia playback curve. M2S 601 (stereo) M2L 256 (mono 6 eye). Truly an unforgettable performance from a man who knew GM personally.

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Lastly I'll mention the Mahler 2nds from Leonard Bernstein. He made at least two separate recordings, one for Columbia, one for DG, both with the New York Phil.. Both are worthy of your attention.

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Columbia Masterworks M2L 295 (mono)
Sony Classical 88985389241 - stereo reissue.

Not that long ago Sony released this as part of their 15 LP Mahler box set with original covers. This quickly went oop but I see a few sealed sets on discogs at not insane cost. Can also be purchased as a single album.

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DG 423 395-2 or 423 395-1 / 423 396-1 / 423 397-1 (?)

This is part of the reissue of individual Mahler symphonies by Analogphonic. All feature cover art from Romain de Tirtoff (known as Erté.) A nice 2-LP box. What is cool about this issuance is the recordings are live. I had some issues with the opening on certain cartridges, but the vdH Master Sig sailed right through. Wonderful full bass lines at the start, worth it for those alone. This particular LP issuance has risen in price. DK if Analogphonic will make more.

If you choose but one Mahler 2 for your single record evaluator these are worth consideration.

Good Morning Tim,
Appreciate your insight and recommendations. I’m starting with:

Here are some of my other choices below.. I do appreciate @bonzo75 and yourself in finding a good place to start.

 

[bonzo75]

Mikem the digital won't be even remotely close to the original LP in this case. For digital also download the Ivan Fischer from channel classics

 

[Mikem53]

Question on volume listening level during symphonic music.. For example, on Scheherazade, opening movement. A very quiet background with a violin solo deep off in the soundstage, I adjusted the volume to hear the sweetness of the violin, only to be overwhelmed by the loudness of the symphony moments later.
I understand that is the intention and dynamics of the symphony, but I need to find a happy medium without missing out On quiet passages. I usually listen in the mid to upper 70db range.. I want to capture the essence of the composer’s intentions, but keep my hearing intact as well.. Just wondering how others compromise in this situation..

 

[Al M.]

Question on volume listening level during symphonic music.. For example, on Scheherazade, opening movement. A very quiet background with a violin solo deep off in the soundstage, I adjusted the volume to hear the sweetness of the violin, only to be overwhelmed by the loudness of the symphony moments later.
I understand that is the intention and dynamics of the symphony, but I need to find a happy medium without missing out On quiet passages. I usually listen in the mid to upper 70db range.. I want to capture the essence of the composer’s intentions, but keep my hearing intact as well.. Just wondering how others compromise in this situation..

Usually 95 dBa (ca. 100 dB) peaks on this and other orchestral pieces. Not for too long each day, I want to keep my hearing intact as well. So if I do a long music day, it is usually sprinkled with chamber music and listening breaks.

 

[tima]

Appreciate your insight and recommendations. I’m starting with:

You're welcome. Klemperer is a fine place to start. You have many choices on that screen; I gather it is one of the streaming services. Looks like it also offers the Bruno Walter and the second Bernstein. I'm curious about the sonics of the Walter, if it is quiet or noisey. I've hoped we might see a re-issue from someone like Speakers Corner who does a lot of Columbia, but since we haven't maybe the tape is not that great. The streamed offering might tell more.

Ivan Fischer with the Budapesters on Channel Classics SACD may be the best newer digital recording of the 2nd and the best of his Mahler series. I played it regularly when I was doing digital. Maybe a wee tiny bit clinical, but definitely well played and clear - worth a listen if you have access to that.