Repertoire: The BEST Mahler Third Symphony

A long talk about a very long symphony, but take heart! I get to use some splendid sound samples, courtesy of Supraphon and Channel Classics. Here are my picks for the dozen finest recordings of this symphonic epic. Take your choice and have a blast with them. What an amazing work this is!

[Hmmmmmmm]

i only got into mahler's music this lockdown and the last movement of the 3rd is probably one of the most heavenly pieces of music i've ever heard in my life. so beautiful

[frankthetank]

Hi Dave -- I just came across your videos and wanted to thank you for all of your great work. We are all very fortunate that you are willing to pass on your expert knowledge and opinion. Keep it up! -- Frank

[ianw]

The first time l heard a mahler symphony was No1 on records. I was 17, and I cried my eyes out.
I came from a Prog Rock background, and this was music from the gods 🙌

[olilein]

This symphony really was my kickstart into symphonic music. My piano teacher took me to a Mahler 3 performance with Michael Gielen—must’ve been about 30 years ago; I was maybe 15 or 16. Back then, I had absolutely no vocabulary to describe what had just happened to me. I was stunned. Goosebumps all over. Tearing up… I stayed true to my roots and became a piano teacher myself—to be for my students what my teacher was for me: a gate-opener to music in all its richness. The simple and the complex, the childlike and the childish, the heart-wrenching and the joyful, the dark and the light, the violent and the healing, the heroic and the triumphant, and so much more. At least, I'm trying my best.

Love your channel—and how often your views on recordings and interpretation choices match mine. Surprising in the best way.

[jerelzoltick]

Reviewing some of the older videos. It. is a joy to listen and watch your videos. Mahler's 3rd is one of my favorite symphonies. I was fortunate to have heard Bernstein perform this over 50 years ago. Recently I was watching Mehta performing. this with the Berlin Philharmonic ...it too is a great. performance. Very powerful and heartfelt. Have a healthy Thanksgiving. jerel

[viniciussarteschi]

I came in search of a good recording of Mahler's Third, and ended up finding a wonderful review of the structure and composition of the symphony. What a precious channel! What would we do without you, Dave?

[Alex-zext]

I'd say my opinion on David's reviews has changed when I found out about this channel. Great passion about the music and sense of humor - this is a terrific combination, in fact I'm loving this! Bernstein coming on top here is no surprise (for me at least). P.S. I wanted to see what it's all about but ended up spending like 3 hours watching David non-stop, now I have to put some of the CDs on!

[ChanceyWigglesworth]

THANK YOU for mentioning Vaclav Neumann's amazing 3rd. It's always been one of my favorite Mahler recordings of all time. It was released in the US on ProArte in 1984 and won the Grand Prix du Disque that year. And yes, Christa Ludwig's Misterioso will blow your mind while ripping your heart to pieces.

[Crowji]

I love this guy so much. He makes everything easy and fun to explore.

[craigkowald]

I played the 3d 4 years ago on 5th horn. You are totally correct that this is a massive chop buster. Love the whole work, but in particular, the finale. Most beautiful piece I have ever heard. The final D major is the single greatest chord ever written.

[simoneavedian]

Thank you Dave! I've listened to your Mahler talks and they helped introduce me to this absolutely sublime composer.

[pauloalmeida]

Thank you, Mr Hurwitz, for the insights into this symphony which was, for me, life changing. I first heard this symphony by accident 10 years ago with the Hamburg Philharmonic, guested by Markus Lehtinen... but I went to Hamburg to see the ballet. Dance is my main interest. I can't read music, but I can count to 8, and choreography is set to 8 counts. I had one chance to see the legendary Hamburg Ballet which is associated with the old/rebuilt opera & was, as usual, sold out, but I didn't care what the performance was, I just wanted to see the dancers. I bought a ticket from a guy on the street, went in, and discovered the ballet was set to Mahler's 3rd. Years before, I had listened to Mahler 1, heard a funereal Frere Jacques, and decided Mahler was not for me. I assumed the music was undanceable, but was then amazed. It was for me a performance comparable to the premier of the Rite, and dance was my gateway to the music. I have since gone to any performance of Mahler, without dancing; I don't know what I'm listening to, but appreciate the experience. I finally had a chance to hear the 3rd again, by Baltimore with Marin Alsop, on March 15, 2020. Cancelled the day before with the start of the pandemic lockdown. Still waiting for Pan to awaken, and delighted to discover your channel. Many thanks.

[davidhickey]

I just love it when you sing. When I know the work you always take straight there.

[gmoeller]

I knew Mahler's 3rd would eventually make its way to your video series. Well done as always, Dave.
My brother and I spent our high school years in NJ during the 90s, and both of us being brass players used to see the brass of the NYP and Phil. O. as rock stars. And we cherished the three Bernstein/NYP recordings of his DG Mahler cycle, most of all the 3rd Symphony. Although I have grown to find great appreciation of other versions (Nott/Bambuger, Chailly/RCO, Boulez/VPO) the DG Bernstein still towers over them all.

[Bezart]

I'm really enjoying revisiting this superb talk, Dave. Lots to enjoy in this huge recorded lagacy.

[EdwarddeVere]

Mahler Mavinsky! Your Bernstein pick is so emotionally fraught that I was nearly prostrate with grief as soon as the Celli Sweeps with their resplendent sonority drowned me with their eloquence. The second movement struck me dumb with amazement at the measured pace. Stunning!!!

[dem]

What a fascinating video. You're a treasure, Dave.

[maximisaev]

This holiday season I've been revisiting classic recordings that I missed somehow along the way. MY GOD DAVE, that first Bernstein NYPO Mahler Third is outstanding in every single way. The 2012 remastering I just purchased of the 1961 recording is RIVETING! I have my issues with Bernstein, or should I say the later, more over emphatic DG era Bernstein, but I'm absolutely convinced this particular recording is the finest thing he ever recorded. The musical grip and tension is maintained for every single note of this 100 minute masterpiece. I also don't believe the NYPO has ever sounded finer on record. I've played several versions of Mahler 3 over the decades, and never have I heard it so outstandingly performed and recorded. You can hear every single section in the orchestra from top to bottom, back to front, and never once does the tension let up until after the last note is sounded and you're left a combination of exalted and exhausted. It's sounds like a cliche, especially at my age, but I literally was on the edge of my chair listening to this. I thought that only happened to teenagers and here I am gushing over this life enhancing, dare I say life changing performance. I know this particular recording is considered by many to be the finest version of all, but it's only because of your recommendation that I finally got up off my butt and experienced it. It's never to late to "imprint" a performance as definitive, and Dave i have you to thank for it.

[musicofnote]

It's not Murder for us brass players. It's HEAVEN in the hands of a good conductor. Although I'm technically a retired bass trombonist, I'd come back if offered a gig playing this. Also Bruckner's 7th.

[JohnnyDelta-]

Just goes to show that you're never too old to find a new desert island version of Mahler's 3rd. The Tennstedt/ LPO was mine for decades until I watched this video, and then spent last night listening to Bernstein's NYPO first version. I'm sold! It's my new gold standard. Thanks David Hurwitz!