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Mahler - Symphonies Nos. 1, 2 & 3 ~ Leonard Bernstein, Sheila Armstrong, Janet Baker, Christa Ludwig, Wiener Philharmoniker, London Symphony Orchestra
Additional DVD options | Edition | Discs | Price | New from | Used from |
DVD
November 22, 2005 "Please retry" | — | 2 |
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| — | — |
Genre | Music Video & Concerts, Musicals & Performing Arts/Classical |
Format | Color, Import, Dolby, Closed-captioned, Multiple Formats, NTSC, Subtitled, Classical |
Contributor | Vienna State Opera Choir, Edinburgh Festival Chorus, Janet Baker, Leonard Bernstein, Vienna Opera Philharmonica, Sheila Armstrong, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Christa Ludwig See more |
Language | English |
Number Of Discs | 2 |
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Product Description
Beginning with the First Symphony, Bernstein reveals Mahler's position at the hinge of modernism, while emphasizing his emotional extremism. The uplifting Second "Resurrection" Symphony, with which Bernstein had an especially long and close association, is recorded here in a historic performance from 1973, set in the Romanesque splendor of Ely Cathedral. In the Third, Bernstein encompasses the symphony's spiritual panorama like no other conductor, with the Vienna Philharmonic players alive to every nuance.
Product details
- Aspect Ratio : 1.33:1
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- MPAA rating : NR (Not Rated)
- Product Dimensions : 5.2 x 0.98 x 7.17 inches; 2.88 ounces
- Media Format : Color, Import, Dolby, Closed-captioned, Multiple Formats, NTSC, Subtitled, Classical
- Run time : 4 hours and 6 minutes
- Release date : November 22, 2005
- Actors : Leonard Bernstein, Vienna Opera Philharmonica, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Edinburgh Festival Chorus, Vienna State Opera Choir
- Subtitles: : English, Spanish, German, French, Chinese
- Language : Unqualified (DTS ES 6.1), German (DTS 5.1), German (PCM Stereo)
- Studio : Universal
- ASIN : B000AC5BEI
- Number of discs : 2
- Best Sellers Rank: #71,431 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
- #993 in Symphonies (CDs & Vinyl)
- #1,446 in Music Videos & Concerts (Movies & TV)
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers praise this DVD's beautiful performance and impressive interpretation, with one noting how it masterfully combines composition and performance. The sharp picture quality and fine orchestral playing receive positive feedback, and customers find it uplifting, with one describing the 2nd symphony as a spiritual journey. The sound quality receives mixed reviews, with some finding it lovely while others note it's strident.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers praise the performance quality of this DVD, describing it as beautifully and epically executed.
"These are wonderful performances. I have never been enthusiastic about the Mahler symphonies, though I always delighted in his Lieder...." Read more
"...to watch than either of those bores, but while his performance is a pleasure to experience, he lacks the grand sense of Mahler's architecture which..." Read more
"Now that I have purchased my first really outstanding symphonic DVD, I guess my CD buying days will come to a quiet end...." Read more
"...These performances are superlative in every respect and are a testimonial to Bernstein's insightful and interpretative powers with this music in..." Read more
Customers praise Bernstein's interpretation of Mahler's symphonies, with one customer noting his masterful handling of musical imagery and editing, while another highlights the goosebump-inducing choral finale.
"...Some parts of these symphonies are sardonic. I never realized how much so until I viewed these recordings...." Read more
"...Praise, also, to director Humphrey Burton, who understands the music of imagery and editing...." Read more
"...respect and are a testimonial to Bernstein's insightful and interpretative powers with this music in particular...." Read more
"...Dame Janet Baker's singing is particularly mellifluous and emotive in this performance...." Read more
Customers find the TV series uplifting, with one describing it as a spiritual journey and another noting its emotional depth.
"...The 2nd is a spiritual journey, and Bernstein is an able guru...." Read more
"...Musically all the symphonies are a revelation to listen to, with Bernstein's emotions and involvement in the music contributing much to the overall..." Read more
"...3 but with better sound and more emotion. The finale is incredibly passionate. If this music does not move you, you have no heart...." Read more
"...All three symphonies are performed with elan and deep emotion. I especially thought that Christa Ludwig was outstanding in Mahler's 3rd...." Read more
Customers praise the orchestra's playing, with one noting the superb performance of the 1st symphony and another highlighting the superlative brass section.
"Not surprisingly, the greatest performances of Mahler are on CD: those of Walter, Klemperer, Barbirolli, and Bernstein...." Read more
"...Symphonies 1 & 3 are played by the Vienna Phil. The brass playing is simply superlative...." Read more
"The playing of the orchestras is only adequate. The conducting is an unnecessary distraction...." Read more
"...God created all and all will return to God. The 1st symphony is also performed superbly...." Read more
Customers praise the picture quality of the TV series, noting that it is very sharp, with one customer highlighting the camera shots of the cathedral.
"...The colours throughout are now much more vibrant and the picture is very sharp indeed especially considering the age of the recordings...." Read more
"...DVD's sound better than CDs and you also get a nice clear picture. What more could anybody want?..." Read more
"...I enjoy the camera shots of the cathedral during parts of the Mahler No. 2. Fun to observe the hair styles of the times. Good sound throughout...." Read more
Customers appreciate the visual quality of the TV series, with one customer noting the vibrant colors throughout and another mentioning its refined presentation.
"...and soloists -- is fully engaged in the passion of the music to magnificent effect...." Read more
"...The colours throughout are now much more vibrant and the picture is very sharp indeed especially considering the age of the recordings...." Read more
"...distinguished soloists and choral forces of their time and display much refinement and an equal amount of vigor...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the sound quality of the TV series, with some finding it lovely while others describe it as strident.
"...venues - Ely Cathedral used for symphony #2 has especially stunning acoustics...." Read more
"...There is nothing like watching the music and hearing it in great sound. DVD's sound better than CDs and you also get a nice clear picture...." Read more
"This seemed to be a recording of a recording of a recording. The sound was hollow and sometimes intermittent...." Read more
"...I do like the posthorn in the 3rd, lovely sound, but why the repeated visual of just the horn rather than the player?..." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2012These are wonderful performances. I have never been enthusiastic about the Mahler symphonies, though I always delighted in his Lieder. Somewhere around 1956 I bought a recording of the Kindertotenlieder by Kathleen Ferrier, loved that, but never could get my ears around the symphonies, even while collecting recordings of performances in an effort to break through to the sense of the music. And I always thought Bernstein's conducting technique rather over the top, preferring the more restrained and classical styles of Monteux and van Beinum. (I remember a Bernstein performance of Beethoven's Ninth, where in one passage he tucked the baton in his armpit, closed his eyes, and sat back on the stool just rocking and nodding his head while the choir sang.)
But this set of performances has made a believer out of me. There may be some quibbles about the video production, but the music transcends. Especially in the Finale (last half of the last movement) of the second symphony, the entire ensemble -- Bernstein, orchestra, choir, and soloists -- is fully engaged in the passion of the music to magnificent effect. Lennie, conducting this immense and complex work without a score, gives sure direction to every note, directing as much with his eyes and mouth as with the baton. The integration of the soloists with the choir and orchestra is absolute perfection. It is difficult to imagine Sheila Armstrong outshining Janet Baker, but that happens here.
I know I am hearing good music when the hair rises on the back of my neck. In this glorious finale of the second symphony, I grow a bristle every time I play it.
Some parts of these symphonies are sardonic. I never realized how much so until I viewed these recordings. Lennie takes full advantage of the humor embedded in them, often with a puckish grin on his face as he saucily flicks the baton, a much better interpretation than where other conductors try to take the music seriously, searching for non-existing depth.
In all, I'm convinced, comparing these recordings with all the other Mahler stuff I ever heard, that Bernstein is the only conductor who really understood Mahler's scores.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2012Not surprisingly, the greatest performances of Mahler are on CD: those of Walter, Klemperer, Barbirolli, and Bernstein. So why would anybody even think of buying the dreadful DVDs of Haitink and Abaddo in the 2nd, both technically excellent but bereft of passion? Chailly is more exciting to watch than either of those bores, but while his performance is a pleasure to experience, he lacks the grand sense of Mahler's architecture which the masters convey. Only Bernstein on DVD remains, and he is extraordinary here. I will speak only of the first movement of the Resurrection, which in its vision of Mahler's complexity, spirituality, and epic breadth simply reveals the others as pygmies. Bernstein finds the tempi giusti-- which in Mahler means becoming a medium connecting the worlds of life and death. It isn't enough to be an efficient musician here! (I'm thinking especially of that execrable performance by Abaddo in Lucerne, which seems to please people who really have no understanding of Mahler, and who-- if they did-- would probably die of shock). The 2nd is a spiritual journey, and Bernstein is an able guru.
To conduct Mahler, one must inhabit the space that Virgil embodies in The Inferno. One must be a damned poet to navigate the abyss!
Bernstein is up to the task. More Apollo than Dionysus (his more familiar avatar) Bernstein makes each phrase reveal its secret meaning. Fasten your seat belt, for it will be a bumpy night of the soul! Verklerte, too!
Praise, also, to director Humphrey Burton, who understands the music of imagery and editing. He stands in the tradition of Henri Georges Clouzot (and few others-- none that I know of today) in his ability to create a shot list that expresses in cinematic terms the spiritual adventure that is Gustav Mahler. All in all: this DVD is one of the glories of our time. Don't miss it.
P.S. Is the second movement just a tad too slow? Has Bernstein erred in trying to make it an authentic Mahler slow movement? You decide.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2006Compared to the old laserdisc releases of this works, the new DVDs from DG are a joy to behold. To my eyes much loving attention has been lavished on cleaning up these works. The colours throughout are now much more vibrant and the picture is very sharp indeed especially considering the age of the recordings. New to the DVDs are subtitles in four languages including English.
The new 5.1 DTS soundtrack is only marginally better than the old PCM stereo which has stood the test of time very well indeed. The audio in both soundtracks is enhanced by the great recording venues - Ely Cathedral used for symphony #2 has especially stunning acoustics.
The video direction of Humphrey Burton is not quite in the same league as the exemplary Brian Large.Unfortunately, Mr. Burton tends to switch camera angles too frequently and does not give a broad enough view of the entire orchestra.
Musically all the symphonies are a revelation to listen to, with Bernstein's emotions and involvement in the music contributing much to the overall enjoyment of the DVDs. Compared to Von Karajan, Bernstein is truly fascinating to observe.
The above comments also apply to another DVD set - Bernstein's recordings of Mahler symphonies nos. 7 and 8 which I bought at the same time.
Top reviews from other countries
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MicrologusReviewed in Italy on June 15, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars Eccellente registrazione
Dopo aver ascoltato la registrazione della seconda sinfonia di Mahler con Abbado a Lucerna, mi ha incuriosito questa registrazione storica, che pur diversa mi è piaciuta molto. La «Resurrezione» è un brano sublime, emozionante, senza pari, da gustare come un'esperienza mistica.
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鈴木敦雄Reviewed in Japan on March 9, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars バーンスタインの復活
私が、このバーンスタインの交響曲第2番「復活」の映像を初めて見たのは、今から20年以上前のことでした。NHK教育テレビで放送された映像でした。番組の冒頭、いきなり、最後のクライマックスから始まリ、独唱者が「オーグラウベ・」と歌い始めると、フルオーケストラに大合唱が加わり音楽が高潮し、凄まじいクライマックスとなり、その盛り上がりに、私は完全にぶっ飛んでしまった。
復活のクライマックス。指揮をするバーンスタインの表情は、一種荘厳なもので、マーラーの音楽とともに一体化し、高揚し、まるで絶叫するような指揮となり、その演奏は、まさに神懸かり的。これ以上の演奏は、おそらく不可能だろうと思えるような素晴らしい演奏でした。
私は、翌日、仕事が終わってから、近くのレコード店で、バーンスタインの復活のレーザーデスクを買い、このレーザーデスクは私の愛聴盤になりました。
その後、バーンスタインがニューヨークフィルを振った、デジタル盤の復活も聴きましたが、私個人としては、このレーザーデスクの演奏にはかなわないと思います。
今回、レーザーデスクからの乗り換えで、値段が安い輸入盤のDVDを買いました。輸入盤は安いですが、字幕が、英語、仏語、スペイン語、中国語で、日本語字幕はありません。第8番、大地の歌のように、ラテン語、ドイツ語の歌が大半を占める曲は、少し高いですが、輸入盤ではない日本語字幕のついたDVDが良いと思います。
このDVDのパッケージに含まれる第1番と第3番も、良い演奏だと思います。
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elfriedeReviewed in Germany on December 30, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Mahler ist Bernstein - Bernstein ist Mahler
In der Elektra von Richard Strauss/Hugo von Hofmannsthal heißt es: "Ob ich nicht höre? Ob ich die Musik nicht höre? Sie kommt doch aus mir". Daran musste ich denken als ich die 2. Symphonie von Mahler mit Bernstein hörte und sah. Bild- und Tonqualität finde ich hervorragend. Die 2. Symphonie wurde in der Kathedrale von Ely aufgenommen. Allein die großartigen Aufnahmen von der unglaublichen Architektur der Kathedrale sind ein Ereignis. Das lenkt aber keineswegs von der Musik ab sondern unterstützt noch deren Intensität. Diese DVD ist auch eine der wenigen Gelegenheiten die wunderbare Janet Baker in Bild und Ton zu erleben. Mir hat es wieder einmal bestätigt, dass Leonard Bernstein einer der größten Mahler-Dirigenten war. Dieses Dokument ist ein wahrer Glücksfall für jeden Musikliebhaber.
- MaxMontReviewed in Canada on January 25, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Mahler! Great conductor! Great orchestra! Great performances!
The only mild disappointment was Mahler's Second Symphony, recorded in, I think Ely Cathedral, in England. The acoustic was not favourable. Numbers one and three are very good. There are several Mahler Two versions on YouTube. Haitink, Jansen, Dudamel too maybe. Bernstein led the rediscovery of Mahler in North America. He spent many years delving ever deeper into these Mahler works. His peformances with the Vienna Philharmonic are magnificient.
- Mr. J. RubinReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 13, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful music
Superb performance of these three fantastic Mahler symphonies