Though many of us may be hesitant to admit it, there are moments when hearing simply the slow movements of symphonies is what we long for meditation and transcendence. Fortunately with this year being the Centennial of Mahler's death (18 May 1911) (or as EMI has emphasized for this 2010 release this is the 150th Anniversary of Mahler's birth!) EMI has created a major collection of the complete works of Mahler in one box set as well as individual packages such as this 2 disc CD set. Here are all of the slow movements from all ten Mahler symphonies, each performed by different conductors and orchestras. Now it is indeed possible to put these discs in and sit back and luxuriate in these emotionally satisfying works.
In the order of placement for this collection (a very sensitive curatorial decision) the included movements are as follow:
Symphony No. 3, 6th movement 'Langsam, Ruhevoll, Emfunden' with Klaus Tennstedt conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 4, 3rd movement 'Ruhevoll' with Paul Kletski conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra
Symphony No. 5, 4th movement 'Adagietto. Sehr langsam' with Sir John Barbirolli conducting the New Philharmonia Orchestra
Symphony No. 9, 4th movement 'Adagio, Sehr langsam und noch zuruckhaltend' with Otto Klemperer and the New Philharmonia Orchestra
Symphony No. 1, 3rd movement 'Feirerlich un gemessen, ohne zu schleppen' with Carlo Maria Giulini conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 2, 2nd movement 'Andante moderato' with Otto Klemperer and the Philharmonia Orchestra
Symphony No. 6, 2nd movement 'Andante moderato' with Sir John Barbirolli and the New Philharmonia Orchestra
Symphony No. 7, 4th movement ' Nachtmusik -Andante amoroso' with Klaus Tennstedt conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 10, 1st movement 'Adagio' with Sir Simon Rattle conducting the Berlin Philharmonic
There really isn't a weak link among these performances, even though they were drawn solely form the EMI catalogue. The sound is magnificent and that secret dream of being immersed in just the slow movements of Mahler in one recording is now an accessible reality. Very very satisfying ... and indulgent! Grady Harp, February 11
