'new comers' to M3 could do a whole lot worse than this . . .

[barry guerrero]

.   .  the DG Originals remastering of Abbado/V.P.O.

http://www.amazon.com/Originals-Mahler-Symphony-No-CD/dp/B00LWIKB3K/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1414438769&sr=1-1&keywords=mahler+3+abbado

It's hard to push these things, though, when you can listen and watch outstanding full performances on Youtube - Daniell Harding and Paavo Jarvi quickly come to mind.

[akiralx]

Yep.  What do you think of the Nagano M3, which is also pretty cheap I think?

[barry guerrero]

It's a bit of a fast run-through and, as I recall, the mezzo wasn't anything special. But it is 'tight' and competent as a reading of the work. The sonics are a bit better than on the earlier Abbado/VPO, but it's not near the top of the list in terms of sound quality either. Tough call. I think Jessye Norman might tip the scales for me.

[ChrisH]

You mention that it's hard to push these remasters and I would agree. I'm starting to think that this endless remaster cycle will, eventually, make it very, very difficult for orchestras to keep on recording. Why would they? If all the old stuff still sells so well, is there any reason to continue releasing new stuff?

I wonder how many recordings a place like Channel Classics sell, or Oehms and even Exton? They obviously make enough to survive, but is it even worth it? I would imagine it's pretty disheartening to release something new, with world class sonics, only to have it pushed to the side by yet another remaster of a 'golden oldie'.

This endless cycle and this constant worship of the past is really hurting classical music. It's sad not to see the new talent get a fair shake because everyone is so infatuated with the old guard and, in the eyes of many, will never come close to producing the 'quality' of years past.

That's the end of my rant.

[barry guerrero]

Well, apparently, Exton isn't selling enough to continue surviving. At least, that's what I read someplace.

A lot of this, I believe, has to do with monies coming from corporate grants or private foundations, etc. There's just a lot less of that type of 'expendable' money out there now.