Regarding Walter's commercial recording (with the NYP) of the M2, one should give serious consideration to the Blu-spec version, which is only available from Japan (read: expensive). The difference in sound quality between the Blu-spec version and all domestic (US) versions is staggering, and well worth the extra cost (at least for me). I wrote about this a couple of months ago here:
http://gustavmahlerboard.com/forum/index.php?topic=915.0
Russell
AGREED!!
In fact, even the Ozawa/Saito Kinen Orch./Sony M9th Blue-Spec CD sounds FAR BETTER than the regular CD release. The new format somehow and miraculously hides some of the limitations heard in the original CD issue and creates realistic, well rounded, smooth sonics. Actually, the orchestra was my only complaint about this otherwise outstanding M9th. It also eliminates the digital glares existing in the original release.
TWO THUMBS UP for the new format.
John,
