There are compelling reasons for acquiring this collection of recordings made in Vienna and New York in 1968. First, there is the intensely characterful singing of Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and of Christa Ludwig, one of the great Mahler interpreters. Then there is the double fascination of hearing the songs with piano accompaniment played by Leonard Bernstein, who at that time was very much into enacting the role of Mahler's self-appointed representative on earth.
Richard Osborne; Gramphone, March 1992.
There are compelling reasons for acquiring this collection of recordings made in Vienna and New York in 1968. First, there is the intensely characterful singing of Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and of Christa Ludwig, one of the great Mahler interpreters. Then there is the double fascination of hearing the songs with piano accompaniment played by Leonard Bernstein, who at that time was very much into enacting the role of Mahler's self-appointed representative on earth. Richard Osborne; Gramphone, March 1992.
Boulez's approach here allows the intelligence and artistry of three admirable soloists and the Vienna Philharmonic to emerge with compelling force.
Music Week (London)
This is sheer enjoyment from start to finish. It deserves the highest possible praise.
For RCA Red Seal these two artists have been splendidly recorded. There is an interesting essay by Gerhaher in the booklet and full texts with English translations are provided. Michael Cookson, Musicweb-International
"Barbirolli's famous 1969 version on any count is one of the greatest, most warmly affecting performances ever committed to disc, expansive, yet concentrated in feeling: the Adagietto is very moving… A classic version." The Penguin Guide to Classical Music about the 5th Symphony