Caution: mythic record! Though critics first considered Barbirolli’s recordings of Mahler symphonies with circumspection, these are now regarded as landmark performances, on top of the Mahlerian discography. This fifth symphony, the last recording Barbirolli devoted to Mahler, is an essential testimony of the conductor’s art. It is accompanied by the Rückert-Lieder sung by Janet Baker, a perfect example of the two artists’ perfect mutual understanding in Mahler’s vocal music. This landmark recording is released on LP with the fine HD remastering made for the Barbirolli Complete Warner Edition.
“Barbirolli’s famous 1969 version on any count is one of the greatest, most warmly affecting performances ever committed to disc, expansive, yet concentrated in feeling: the Adagietto is very moving … A classic version.” The Penguin Guide to Classical Music
“… an interpretation of commitment and intensity and the recording is one of the finest I have heard from EMI.” Gramophone
