When purchasing recordings of the symphonies of Gustav Mahler, listeners usually have two options available: either acquire a box set with all the performances by one conductor and one orchestra, or buy individual CDs, presumably by a variety of performers, according to recommendations or one's own preferences. The first choice generally promises consistency, inasmuch as any conductor who has produced a complete cycle can claim to have an overall view of Mahler's music, and the orchestra frequently has a rapport established ...
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When purchasing recordings of the symphonies of Gustav Mahler, listeners usually have two options available: either acquire a box set with all the performances by one conductor and one orchestra, or buy individual CDs, presumably by a variety of performers, according to recommendations or one's own preferences. The first choice generally promises consistency, inasmuch as any conductor who has produced a complete cycle can claim to have an overall view of Mahler's music, and the orchestra frequently has a rapport established with him that optimizes great playing. Furthermore, the quality of recording is generally constant within such a set, often due to a label's engineering standards and the frequent use of the same studio or venue. In the instance that one chooses to own separate recordings by different conductors and orchestras, then there is a wide range of possibilities to consider, but the listener is actively involved in the selection and can build a collection of as many or as few...
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