Here is Bernstein's earlier CBS recording of the “Titan” symphony (no. 1). Not only is the performance better than his later DG re-make, but here, you also get the adagio from the tenth as well.

Here is a great set of CDs. Walter's interpretation of the first is good, but it simply can't compare to what he has given us in the “Resurrection” symphony (no. 2). Here he is leading the New York Philharmonic,chorus,and great soloists in one of the most recommendable Mahler seconds of all time. The sound is dated, but that’s the last thing you will be thinking about while listening.

Ok, I truly believe this to be one of the greatest recordings ever made-of any piece of music. Many will prefer Bernstein's later DG recording with the same orchestra, but I believe the present disc surpasses that recording in every way. The quicker tempi Bernstein uses in this earlier version are much more compelling, and it works wonders in the finale. You also get great fillers here as well.

Andrew Litton and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra have produced two fantastic Mahler records; a white-hot performance of the second (check it out), and the one listed here. Litton and the DSO give Mahler's vast orchestral scope everything its due, and much more. The sound is ideal. This is a truly great recording.

This is very very good recording of the fourth symphony. Bernstein’s way with the slow movement is unsurpassed (not even by Szell in the previously listed recording). The sonics may be better on his DG release, but the boy soprano on that disc doesn’t quite work as well.

An essential recording. This was recorded in 1987 and has yet to be surpassed. The scherzo and finale are particularly outstanding. This has been recommended by almost everyone since its release; get it and find out why.

The sound is a bit dated, and Walter slows things down in the scherzo, but overall this is a worthy addition to ones collection.

Wow. This is a great disc. The "tragic" symphony gets a definitive performance, almost to the point of it being the only recording one would need to own (the operative word here being almost - Boulez has done wonders with this symphony as well). The slow movement can be exceptionally beautiful (as is the case here) or, in the hands of a lesser conductor, just plain weird. Don’t take the chance.

Mahler's oddest symphony. It takes some getting used to, but it grows on you. By now you may think I am a knee-jerk Bernstein/Mahler advocate. Well, you’d be right, and there’s a damn good reason for it.

This historic recording speaks for itself. Solti's interpretation is immense. He must have been in the same Wagnerian-type mindset with this recording as he was when he recorded the Ring.

The greatest recording of Mahler's greatest symphony.

Another great recording. This has been a prime recommendation since it was released.

Actually, I don’t recommend the tenth beyond the adagio, which is all that Mahler completed. However, if you must, than this is a great recording of to get.

Any guide-book to classical collecting will list this as one of the all time essential recordings. It is great, just not quite as great as the Walter/Ferrier recording listed above.

Want to save some money? If you have yet to commence on building your Mahler collection, here’s what to do: Get this box set, take the recording of the fifth symphony and throw it in the trash. Buy Bernstein's later DG recording of the fifth, and there you have it - a pretty good start on a great Mahler collection