Carlo Maria Giulini, Chicago SO – Mahler: Symphony No.1 (1971) [Japan 2016] SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + FLAC 24bit/96kHz

Carlo Maria Giulini conducts the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in a Grammy winning performance of Gustav Mahler’s four-movement Symphony No. 1 in D. If you want a Mahler First above all for beauty of tone and phrasing and precision of ensemble, then this is a plain first choice. In addition Giulini’s qualities suit this work. For all the orchestral sophistication, he has a transparent honesty which accords well with Mahler in ‘Wayfaring Lad’ mood. Nor does he use the Chicago orchestra’s virtuosity to whip up excitement in fast tempo.

Having long ago firmly establishing itself as one of the world’s greatest orchestras, the Chicago Symphony has also played host to some of the world’s preeminent conductors, both as guests and artistic directors. Over the past several decades, many of these conductors have produced countless recordings with the CSO. Perhaps second in quantity only to Beethoven, the CSO has churned out a staggering number of recordings of Mahler symphonies, almost assuring that one interpretation or another is likely to find its way onto the shelves of listeners. This EMI recording of Mahler’s First Symphony with Carlo Maria Giulini was recorded in 1971 and originally released along with the Fourth Symphony. Sound quality, precision strings, impressively powerful brass, and warm, rich tone are all present, as would be expected. What distinguishes one CSO Mahler recording from another is of course the subtle differences in interpretation of the conductor. Giulini’s reading of Mahler is a somewhat conservative one. This is not to say it is safe, lackluster, or unenergetic. But compared to more lively readings (such as Solti’s, for example), Giulini is more subtle in the differences he makes to the countless tempo and character markings Mahler provides throughout the score; dynamic changes are also less grandiose. Individual listeners must decide for themselves which type of interpretation best suits their tastes, but they can almost universally be sure of a superior execution with the CSO.

Tracklist:

01. Symphony No. 1: I. Langsam, Schleppend, wie ein Naturlaut
02. Symphony No. 1: II. Kräftig bewegt, doch nicht zu schnell
03. Symphony No. 1: III. Feierlich und gemessen, ohne zu schlepp
04. Symphony No. 1: IV. Stürmisch bewegt

Produced by Christopher Bishop. Engineered by Carson Taylor.
Recorded on March 30, 1971 at the Medinah Temple, Chicago, Illinois.
2016 Remastered version. Warner Music Japan # WPCS-13534

SACD ISO

mqs.link_CarlMariaGiuliniChicagSMahler.SymphnyN.11971Japan2016SACDIS.part1.rar
mqs.link_CarlMariaGiuliniChicagSMahler.SymphnyN.11971Japan2016SACDIS.part2.rar
mqs.link_CarlMariaGiuliniChicagSMahler.SymphnyN.11971Japan2016SACDIS.part3.rar

DSF DSD64

mqs.link_CarlMariaGiuliniChicagSMahler.SymphnyN.11971Japan2016DSD64.part1.rar
mqs.link_CarlMariaGiuliniChicagSMahler.SymphnyN.11971Japan2016DSD64.part2.rar
mqs.link_CarlMariaGiuliniChicagSMahler.SymphnyN.11971Japan2016DSD64.part3.rar

Hi-Res FLAC

mqs.link_CarlMariaGiuliniChicagSMahler.SymphnyN.11971Japan2016FLAC2496.part1.rar
mqs.link_CarlMariaGiuliniChicagSMahler.SymphnyN.11971Japan2016FLAC2496.part2.rar