Wyn Morris also recorded (for Delyse- and I still have these LPs) two non-symphonic works by Mahler, Das Klagende Lied (the two movements that Mahler sanctioned) and Des Knaben Wunderhorn - the latter a "starry" recording with Janet Baker and Geraint Evans as soloists with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Contributors to this thread seem to be concentrating on symphonies as their recommendations but I remember as a youth "Getting into" Mahler with a two-Lp record Saga Box that
consisted of the 7th symphony and the Kindertotenlieder. The latter was sung by a lady whose name I recall as Lorri Lail and although her voice wouldn't pass muster compared with some artists who have also recorded the work it was acceptable-enough for me to develop something of an obsession with the song cycle , I even bought a vocal and piano score of it from my pocket-money.
Perhaps those trying to get-to-grips with Mahler might consider listening to parts of these shorter non-symphonic works.
Wyn Morris also recorded a choral work by Bruckner "Helgoland" coupled with Wagner's "Love-feast of the Apostles." I confess I've only played this about twice since I bought the record years ago and wasn't particularly bowled-over by either work. Perhaps others know Helgoland much better than I do and could express an opinion as whether or not it might appeal to somebody beginning to investigate Bruckner.
There are also masses and a String Quintet by Bruckner which are impressive. A few odds-and-ends for piano and piano duet are completely negligible.
Dear Noah, I am no Bruckner or Mahler expert but both composers figured in my early years of BBC Radio 3 etc exploration and discovery. This stretches back to the now primeval stage where the two composers were bracketed (heretical idea) as in one book by Hans Redlich in the Master Musicians series (1963).
As to suggestions, to help you assess/acclimatise, why not aim for particular movements rather than whole works?
In the case of Mahler 1 agree that, given your other favourites, start with Mahler 1. But then move onwards or try new starts at the first movt of Mahler 3 (the Horenstein version still sounds exciting and gripping) then Mahler 5 (yes the Adagietto) and Mahler 7 which I heard live in the Colston Hall as a student with the Bournemouth SO were conducted by Volker Wangenheim (whatever happened to him?) and Mahler 6.
All those years ago I do recall being transfixed by the Symphonica of London recordings of the Mahler syms as conducted by Wyn Morris. At that stage the LPs were far cheaper than the equivalent Deccas and EMIs and DGs.
As to Bruckner my suggestions are the first movement of the Fourth Symphony (Jochum on DG) and any movt at all from Symphony 8 (Boulez at one extreme Giulini at the other - both on DG).
I am sure we would all like to hear your thoughts and assessments if/when you do wade out into these oceanic tides.
I am trying to "get into" Bruckner and Mahler but have not had much luck. I usually like Late Romantic composers like Strauss, Wagner, and Rachmaninov, but I have had trouble with these two. Mahler seems scatterbrained and stylistically all over the place, and Bruckner feels rather dour and dull.
I was wondering if anyone could give suggestions about good works/recordings I could use to increase my experience with these composers, because I feel like based on their popularity, I should be able to enjoy their music. Thanks
-Noah
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