Chailly boxset

[Wunderhorn]

I just bought the Chailly boxset, I couldn't help myself... I think it had to do with my love of the 'beautiful' aspects of Mahler, and that Chailly is disputably the one who envisions this type best. The grotesque Mahler of Bernstein and Abbado fits me sometimes, but not always. It could be said that the 'folk' music of the Slavic, Bohemian, and Hebrew regions generated perhaps the most 'visceral' musical experience possible, and Mahler is its demigod. These characteristics don't necessarily need be treated harshly or expressionistically as some do. I think of Abbado current Berlin Live series, the 6th and 9th are key, though all are very well preformed. If he continues this series, I would consider getting that set as well. Chailly boxset is making me so excited I can barely contain myself. 

[barry guerrero]

Great! Enjoy. I don't know, Chailly's M3 and M6 seem pretty big-boned and visceral to me - more so than many of Abbado's recorded performances. But hey, it's all in the mind, right? I think you made a really good choice, and you get a pretty darn good M10 in the Cooke version too. It's hard to top the Concertgebouw in Mahler; certainly for sheer consistantcy, if nothing else. They have excellent woodwinds, and a thoroughly modernized kitchen department (percussion).

I can't see there being another Abbado box, unless he re-makes the 8th in Luzern (Lucerne). He hasn't done a "DLvdE" yet either.

[Wunderhorn]

There is something so sweet about the trumpet solo in the third movement of M3, reminds me of a comforting embrace, or a trumpet solo to sentimentally sing of how someone will be missed on earth after they leave.

[Leo K]

Chailly's M3 is incredible.  The outer movements are great, but he really takes those inner movements into the sublime.  Actually, so does Boulez in his own way.

Congrats on the new set  

[BorisG]

I had most of the Chailly Mahler in singles. Worthwhile hearing certainly, but over time I felt they didn't reach the heights of corresponding recordings I'd had for years, and some of those, years and years. Nothing too drastic in comparing. But enough found in phrasing, dynamics, and playing, that made me reach back for the old standbys.

Would I recommend the Chailly set? Yes, but primarily to new Mahler users, who so often are concerned with quality of sound. Regarding interpretation, later on they can decide if they want something rougher, and more adventurous.

[sperlsco]

Would I recommend the Chailly set? Yes, but primarily to new Mahler users, who so often are concerned with quality of sound. Regarding interpretation, later on they can decide if they want something rougher, and more adventurous.

I agree with one main aspect of this.  Although I consider Bernstein's DG set to be my favorite of all, I really cannot recommend it to a Mahler newbie.  Lennie has his own way with Mahler in this late cycle, which I feel works much better if you already have a love of the symphonies.  Chailly's set is more straightforward than Lennie's, and so it may work better for a Mahler newbie.  Of course, I feel that Chailly's cycle can work for someone with any level of Mahleria.  Actually, in terms of straightforward playing I think that the Bertini cycle might be my first recommendation to a Mahler newbie (over the Lennie/Sony one due to sound quality).   OTOH, I like Chailly's cycle much better overall than the Bertini one.  I rate the Chailly M3, M4, M5, M6, M8, M9, and M10 all as first tier favorites.  Unfortunately, I find his M2 to be very mannered and dislike his way with M7. 

[BorisG]

Would I recommend the Chailly set? Yes, but primarily to new Mahler users, who so often are concerned with quality of sound. Regarding interpretation, later on they can decide if they want something rougher, and more adventurous.

I agree with one main aspect of this.  Although I consider Bernstein's DG set to be my favorite of all, I really cannot recommend it to a Mahler newbie.  Lennie has his own way with Mahler in this late cycle, which I feel works much better if you already have a love of the symphonies.  Chailly's set is more straightforward than Lennie's, and so it may work better for a Mahler newbie.  Of course, I feel that Chailly's cycle can work for someone with any level of Mahleria.  Actually, in terms of straightforward playing I think that the Bertini cycle might be my first recommendation to a Mahler newbie (over the Lennie/Sony one due to sound quality).   OTOH, I like Chailly's cycle much better overall than the Bertini one.  I rate the Chailly M3, M4, M5, M6, M8, M9, and M10 all as first tier favorites.  Unfortunately, I find his M2 to be very mannered and dislike his way with M7. 

Of course price is often an important consideration for many new to Mahler, or any other composer. That was the foundation of Naxos' success.

The recent Chailly Mahler set price reduction has helped it being recommended more often. Some other sets often mentioned as good value are Sony Bernstein, Bertini, Kubelik, but Bernstein on either DG or Sony can be a poor recommendation for a newbie. Of the two, the DG might be best recommendation, being somewhat less raw interpretively and more attractive soundwise, but even with its recent mini-boxsets price reduction, it is a pricey buy. Hanssler Gielen is another pricey set that points to more abstract readings.

Most if not all things considered, I think the Chailly and Bertini sets are the two best good value recommendations at the moment, with the Bertini probably speaking better to the Mahler old hand.

[Wunderhorn]

It isn't only for beginners. Chailly might just have the best sound quality of any Cycle currently available, thats the things that pushed my hand purchasing it. It indulges itself in the 'sound' world of Mahler more thoroughly then any specific interpreting aspects. That how I see it at least. I'm thinking of getting a second boxset soon, probably either Bertini, Bernstein (Sony), or Kubelik.

[barry guerrero]

Get all of those!! Seriously, that's a tough choice. I still think that the Bertini is the most consistant through the entire canon (cannon?).

Barry

[Leo K]

Because of the price and the inclusion of Das Lied...I'm seriously considering getting the Bertini set before I get the Gielen set. 

How is the Bertini M1 rated...what is it like?

[barry guerrero]

Bertini's M1 is fresh and youthful; just as the piece should be. I've only heard once or twice, but liked it just fine.

Barry

[John Kim]

Getting the entire Chailly set is a good idea, but it's also worth seeking for SACD versions of the M3rd and M9th, arguably the best in the set that sound even finer on the Super Audio editions.

John,

[Wunderhorn]

Thanks John, but right now I don't have a SA player...(Does it have DSD also?)

[John Kim]

Even on a regular CD player these hybrid SACDs sound much better than the regular CD versions. So try them.

John

[sperlsco]

I hate to be a naysayer here, but I am skeptical of claims that the CD layer of an SACD would sound different than the stand-alone CD of the same performance (Note: I am trying to be as non-offensive as possible here).  I may very well be wrong on this, but I don't imagine that there is any different mastering going on between the two different discs (i.e. I would expect the CD layers to be indentical).  Of course, all that matters is what your ears tell you, but I would not suggest that someone purchase a hybrid disc expecting it sound better than the stand-alone CD.  YMMV!  I would certainly purchase a hybrid disc: a) if you have an SACD player, or b) if you might ever buy one -- SACD's do sound wonderful! 

Note to BMG Music Club members -- The Chailly set may be available to you for $40 with free shipping, as that is my current offer from them.  I would consider buying it again at that price, but only if I am drunkenly celebrating  Da Bears Super Bowl victory this weekend!!!