M2 Kaplan LSO 1988

[Clov]

This recording is under the MCA classics label. I'm curious if this is Kaplan's first recording of M2? If anyone knows, please fill me in.

[waderice]

Yes it is.  It definitely is better than his second recording on DG.  And the soloists are better as well, as is the organ.

Wade

[Damfino]

I like both Kaplan's recordings. The second one with the VPO is also available as a multichannel SACD which has really great sonics. Both versions include detailed notes on the program of the symphony; and Kaplan has multiple track stops so that you can tell exactly where you are for each program note.

Dave

[barry guerrero]

I second Dave's opinion. I like them both, and they're different enough to justify owning both. Unfortunately, the mezzo on the DG one isn't particularly good. But there are many other fine things about it. Personally, I like it much more than the Boulez/DG one that also employs the Vienna Phil. (which has NO organ).

The organ isn't that bad on Kaplan's DG one at all. I'm sure that this was at Mr. Kaplan's insistence (based upon Mahler's fortissimo marking), but DG dubbed the organ in from the Berlin Philharmonie. My understanding is that the organ in the Musikverein - generally very weak for 'big' works - has since been refurbished.