Mahler: Lieder

1	Lieder eines fahrenden Ge
2	Lieder eines fahrenden Ge
3	Lieder eines fahrenden Ge
4	Lieder eines fahrenden Ge
5	Rückert Lieder, song coll
6	Rückert Lieder, song coll
7	Rückert Lieder, song coll
8	Rückert Lieder, song coll
9	Rückert Lieder, song coll
10	Kindertotenlieder, song c
11	Kindertotenlieder, song c
12	Kindertotenlieder, song c
13	Kindertotenlieder, song c
14	Kindertotenlieder, song c
Mahler: Lieder
1.	Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, song cycle for voice & piano (or orchestra) 17:01
	Composed by Gustav Mahler
	Conducted by Pierre Boulez
	Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Thomas Quasthoff
2.	Rückert Lieder, song collection for voice & piano (or orchestra) 19:46
	Composed by Gustav Mahler
	Conducted by Pierre Boulez
	Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Violeta Urmana
3.	Kindertotenlieder, song cycle for voice & piano (or orchestra) 24:40
	Composed by Gustav Mahler
	Conducted by Pierre Boulez
	Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Anne Sofie von Otter

Barnes & Noble

Pierre Boulez's Mahler series reaches another high point with this outstanding recording of orchestral songs, including the Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (Songs of a Wayfarer), the five Rückert-Lieder, and the Kindertotenlieder (Songs on the Death of Children). Paradoxically, perhaps, Mahler's dazzlingly imaginative orchestration in this repertoire often holds as much interest for the listener as the vocal line, and true to form, Boulez draws finely detailed playing from the Vienna Philharmonic, with especially distinguished contributions from the orchestra's winds. But Boulez has also marshaled an excellent group of singers: Thomas Quasthoff tackles the "Wayfarer" songs, bringing his rich baritone to a dramatically charged account, while the soprano Violeta Urmana shines in the "Rückert" songs, and the mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter offers a deeply affecting Kindertotenlieder (her spellbinding "In diesem Wetter," which begins with expressionistic unease and concludes with consoling calm, is arguably the disc's finest track). Other versions of these widely recorded scores -- particularly such classics as Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau's and Janet Baker's, both in EMI's Great Recordings of the Century series -- still deserve a place in a well-stocked classical collection. But this disc, with lucid, well-balanced sound, instantly joins the select group of the best there is. EJ Johnson

All Music Guide

If one comes to these performances of Mahler's three songs cycles without prior knowledge or experience of the music, one might well think them definitive. Each singer is wonderfully suited to the texts. Thomas Quasthoff brings virility and sensitivity to the "Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen." Violeta Urmana brings vivacity and sensuality to the "Rückert Lieder." Anne-Sofie von Otter beings gravity and profundity to the "Kindentotenlieder." Pierre Boulez brings clarity and lucidity to his conducting and the Vienna Philharmonic brings grace and beauty to its playing. Deutsche Grammophon's sound is fresh, bright, and clean. If one already knows other performances of Mahler's song cycles, one might prefer Fischer-Dieskau, Prey, Hampson, Ludwig, Baker, or Ferrier with Furtwängler, Klemperer, Barbirolli, Böhm, or Haitink. If one does, however, come to the music without prior knowledge or experience, one should probably start with an earlier recording. If one already knows the music, these superlative performances are well worth hearing. But if this is the first time one hears Mahler's endless soulful and infinitely moving song cycles, try Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau or Christa Ludwig. James Leonard

New York Times

This is an excellent album.... Thomas Quasthoff is expectedly strong in "Lieder Eines Fahrenden Gesellen" ("Songs of a Wayfarer") and Anne Sofie von Otter gratifyingly so in "Kindertotenlieder" ("Songs on the Death of Children").... Violetta Urmana shows the power needed to stand up to Mahler's orchestra in the Rückert Songs.... The disc is only enhanced by the vibrant playing of the Vienna Philharmonic under Pierre Boulez.... There is every reason to buy this record. James R. Oestreich

Gramophone

As expected [Boulez] clarifies orchestral textures, often with magical results.... Thomas Quasthoff elicits the most highly charged reading. With plangent, aching tone and carefully weighted emphases, he indicated how deep bitterness has seeped into this wayfarer's veins.... Violetta Urmana's reading of the Rückert-Lieder is cooler. Her graceful agility and pure tone are a delight in "Bliche mir nicht in die Lieder".... Anne Sofie von Otter's long-awaited recording of the Kindertotenlieder is deeply felt and notable for its nobility.... A disc that deserves to be heard. Andrew Farach-Colton