How can one be over dramatic for Mahler......Bernstein has the full measure of these works like no other conductor. I generally prefer his early Sony set over the newer DG set with a couple exceptions, one being his DG 5th.
I agree with Newbee that Solti is often overlooked as Mahler conductor, but he is better than most if not quite reaching very top tier.
The Inbal/Denon series is OK, and had good sound for its time but I can't think of any Inbal Mahler performance that can be seriously considered as near reference for that symphony. I have the Inbal 5th but own many others that would rank ahead of it.
I agree with Newbee that Solti is often overlooked as Mahler conductor, but he is better than most if not quite reaching very top tier.
The Inbal/Denon series is OK, and had good sound for its time but I can't think of any Inbal Mahler performance that can be seriously considered as near reference for that symphony. I have the Inbal 5th but own many others that would rank ahead of it.