Why do all Mahler recordings seem too bright?


Yes - I may be exaggerating but I haven’t yet found any recordings of his symphonies that properly balance the extra treble energy that are often part of the dynamic swings.  Part of the problem may be that I’m not sure I yet actually “like” Mahler’s music though there are moments that are exquisite.  But, I can’t get through a whole piece because the recordings hurt my ears.  

As a side note - I have been on both sides of a microphone - having been a musician in the past and also having recorded/mixed a number of orchestral concerts at a performing arts center.  Pre-pandemic I would go to orchestral concerts regularly. So - I do have at least some reference.

I have some recordings (they were given to me) that are positively unlistenable (a DG recording of his 5th may be singularly the worst recording I’ve heard).

I thought the hi res versions of San Francisco by MTT might be the ticket.  While better, they still seem too bright and harsh to me.

Perhaps it’s my system that’s too bright, or perhaps something else is going on but I’ve plenty of other classical music that sounds better. We’ll recorded jazz and acoustic, too. 

Of course I can find poor recordings in any genre, but I’d welcome recommendations from my fellow forumites of some Mahler recordings that I might try.  I’d love to be able to listen to the closing moments of the 2nd at reasonable volume - without cringing.  

 

 

mgrif104

Showing 1 response by gg107

@mgrif104, in response to your request for Mahler recording recommendations in your post, I'd like to suggest Ivan Fischer & the Budapest Festival Orchestra's recording of Mahler's 2d Symphony on Channel Classics SACD.  A first-rate performance of a great piece, wonderfully well-recorded.  Also recommendation-worthy -- Fischer/BFO's recording on Mahler's 4th, on Channel as well.  

Also Claudio Abbado's live recording of Mahler's 7th with the Berlin Phil., Ricardo Chailly's studio recording of the Mahler 5th with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and Maris Janson's live recording of the Mahler 1st, also with the RCO.

I've heard Mahler played live many times, and have probably 60 recordings of his symphonies.  These are some of the best recordings and performances, IMHO.