Sir Simon Rattle's more recent recording of this work with Berlin (also on EMI) is very good, of that there is no doubt based on the awards it has garnered over time. It is actually listed on this site under Award Winners. Personally though, I consider this one, which was one of Rattle's early recordings, to be much better. It might not be as detailed a reading as the Berlin one, but it is much more intense, impetuous, profound, even awe-struck in moments, with a lush, hefty orchestral sound that will leave you breathless in its textural density and full, bass rich, multi-layered sonics. One of Mahler's most harmonically probing, profound, philosophical works conducted with intense passion and reverance that I've yet to hear done any better.

Over the years, EMI have released this recording at least 3 different times, with different cover art and a different price point, and it is now available in their Classics for Pleasure line. If you can find it, grab it before it disappears for good.

Jean-Yves Duperron