Mahler: Symphony No. 3 in D Minor

Christa Ludwig (Artist), Gustav Mahler (Composer), Leonard Bernstein (Conductor), New York Philharmonic (Orchestra), Joseph Alessi (Performer), Glenn Dicterow (Performer), New York Choral Artists (Performer), Brooklyn Boys Chorus (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Joseph Alessi, Glenn Dicterow, New York Choral Artists, Brooklyn Boys Chorus
• Orchestra: New York Philharmonic
• Conductor: Leonard Bernstein
• Composer: Gustav Mahler
• Audio CD (July 20, 1989)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Deutsche Grammophon
• ASIN: B000001GAG
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #51,439 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #17 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Divas > Ludwig, Christa
  • #43 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Featured Performers, A-Z > H to L

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Mahler's Third for the ages, August 9, 2003

By 

A. Michaelson "A. Michaelson" (Bay Area, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mahler: Symphony No. 3 in D Minor (Audio CD)

Mahler's Third is a very difficult piece to play and understand. Not only is the longest symphony in the standard repetoire, it also showcases Mahler's desire to show the entire universe in a symphony. There are more contrasts between light and dark, happy and sad, loud and soft, fast and slow, etc, in this symphony than in any other Mahler symphony. It makes this symphony a very difficult piece to listen to, and perhaps Mahler's most inaccessible for the casual listener or Mahler novice. That said, one must still agree that Bernstein gives this symphony a reading that is simply unforgettable. Bernstein manages emphasize the essential contrasting elements of the music, especially in the seemingly endless first movement, and keep the listener at the edge of his seat from the tension and emotion Bernstein elicits. Plus, this recording has excellent sound. Some of the best I've heard, in fact. The explosions are more explosive than in any other recording I've heard. It's something you have got to hear for yourself! I've grown to love this symphony and now it's one of my favorites; however, without this recording, who knows how positively I'd feel about this difficult (yet very fulfilling) composition.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ideal, November 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Mahler: Symphony No. 3 in D Minor (Audio CD)

This is my favorite recording of Mahler's Third, which of all the symphonies gives perhaps the most indelible impression of Mahler the God-seeker and all-encompasser. The tempos and ensemble work are perfect throughout. There are none of the mannerisms that sometimes mar Bernstein's late interpretations of the Symphonies, and both conductor and orchestra show a perfect affinity for this difficult music. Never have I gotten so lost in golden reverie as in the third movement during the posthorn episodes, and the moving finale, a true vision of heaven, is perfectly paced.

If at first you don't quite "get" what Mahler was driving at, keep listening and you'll be won over. The first, second, and fifth movements might seem to lag in interest at first, but they come on strong with increasing familiarity.

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mahler's other masterpiece., June 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Mahler: Symphony No. 3 in D Minor (Audio CD)

Mahler's Third Symphony is the biggest of the ten (in length, at least), and, it seems to me, probably the least performed. Whether that has to do with it's duration (100+ minutes) I'm not sure, but it is surely one of Mahler's most magnificent works. Leonard Bernstein is the Mahler Master, if there ever was just one, and the New York Philharmonic is as great a Mahler orchestra as any, especially with Lenny. The first movement is a bear; more than twice as long as the second and third movements combined. The Philharmonic performs splendidly through the section, culminating in a very energetic flourish. The third movement is harrowingly ironic, and Ludwig sings the fourth as darkly as anyone. The fifth movement, with it's treble choirs (female & children's voices) stands in stark contrast to the preceding one with it's up-beatness. The massive 6th movement is one of Mahler's finest creations: a solemn, religious Adagio that evolves from a gorgeous melody into a glorious hymn. It's something you have to hear, rather than read about.