Wagasuki M8

[hrandall]

Hello everyone,

I'm wondering if anyone here on the board actually owns a copy of the Wagasuki M8 that's been mentioned here on the board before? I'm having a very difficult time finding a copy for sale or even anyone who actually has it - or actually any concrete proof it actually exists. :-)

Best,
Herb

[barry guerrero]

It existed - I had a burnt copy of it, once upon a time. I gave my Wagasuki cycle to somebody, and I just can't remember who it was. I know I didn't just toss them - I wouldn't do that.

If it's ANY consolation, it really isn't essential listening. It's more of a novelty because of the vocal soloists being so far to the back. it truly is the closest you'll come to a music-minus-one Mahler 8th.

[hrandall]

It existed - I had a burnt copy of it, once upon a time. I gave my Wagasuki cycle to somebody, and I just can't remember who it was. I know I didn't just toss them - I wouldn't do that.

If it's ANY consolation, it really isn't essential listening. It's more of a novelty because of the vocal soloists being so far to the back. it truly is the closest you'll come to a music-minus-one Mahler 8th.

Hi Barry,

That music-minus-one aspect is exactly what I'm looking for. I wouldn't expect this to become my favorite M8 - but what I'm after is an M8 where you really can hear the orchestral portion of the symphony very clearly throughout. So far probably the closest I've come is the Inbal / Tokyo M8 - which I really like, and was another recommendation from a board member here.

Perhaps someone has another recommendation that approaches the same idea?

Cheers,
Herb

[barry guerrero]

the Inbal is very good. You might want to just stick with that.  

Tilson Thomas is good in the softer bits, but it's the louder bits that are the problem with his M8 (little or no organ, just for starters). Also, his conducting is waaay too mannered and wayward.

[hrandall]

the Inbal is very good. You might want to just stick with that.  

Tilson Thomas is good in the softer bits, but it's the louder bits that are the problem with his M8 (little or no organ, just for starters). Also, his conducting is waaay too mannered and wayward.

Hi Barry,

Thanks for the advice. I am very happy with the Inbal / Tokyo M8 and find that it has probably become my favorite of the Mahler 8th recordings I've heard - even with Inbal's grunts, humming and singing. :-)

I'll have to admit that Tilson Thomas is one of those conductors that in general I just don't "get." I've heard a few of his recordings and they just don't do much for me. Not sure why, I'm still trying to figure out my own preferences and what makes a good or great Mahler recording for me.

Best,
Herb