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Review title: A beautiful Mahler fifth for your collection
Product review: There is no doubt that the Berliner Philharmoniker under von Karajan was an excellent orchestra with a uniquely 'polished' sound. It is however arguable whether this sound is appropriate for the music of Mahler, which often involves themes like pain, loss, and death.Compared with Barbirolli's, Berntein's (DG), or Kubelik's (Audite and Tahra), Karajan's version of the Fifth lacks the warm expansiveness of the former and the sheer energy of the latter three. I get the feeling that the Berliners' playing is a little too deliberate. Personally I like my Mahler fifths a little more rugged and spontaneous.A big plus is the fourth movement, Adagietto, that is very fine and very sweet.Karajan's serves as a good alternative version. For a first choice, any of the above mentioned four recordings, especially Barbirolli's, will serve well.Better still, get them all.
