Mahler 9.Bruno Walter.
Mr Moore ..dear Sir
Many thanks for you considered comments on the Bruno Walters 1961 recording of Mahler Symphony number nine,now technically refurbished.
I vividly remember the release in Sydney Australia.
It was the first studio recording in stereo that I bought of the symphony and listened to it perhaps far too much.
Your comments prompted a re-listen after many years and the many other performances on record and live that have been experienced.
Initially I was disappointed with the sound on my CD version but after a little more volume was added the sound picture “clicked in“.
I listened to the Pristine edition track available on their site with Bowers& Wilkens earphones but there seemed to me or as you say ..”to these ears” I found the sound was a bit boomy around the double basses .
True more detail was available but I am happy with the Sony/CBS sound…perhaps my ears being older than yours…I assume…so thanks again for your always instructive comments.
As for a favourite performance there are so many that are truly excellent and are incredibly moving also superbly played so the symphony is almost impossible not to affect audiences,as does,at least for me the Tenth performing version of Deryck Cooke
I confess do have very high regard for the Barbirolli recording
The tenths extraordinary first movement,to me ,runs a very close second with the ninths first movement that you and others have praised so highly.
Ian Peake