Mahler: Symphony No. 3 Cincinnati SO/ Lopez-Cobos (Telarc 2CD-80481).

Mahler: Symphony No. 3 Cincinnati SO/ Lopez-Cobos (Telarc 2CD-80481)

Although this is not quite as transcendent a CD as the same forces' Mahler 9th, also on Telarc, this is a truly excellent recording that is very highly recommendable -- one of the best available, and at a very reasonable price (two discs for the price of one). The performance lacks the some of the drama that Horenstein and the LSO brought to this work in their Unicorn recording (old timers will remember when this recording was available as a budget Nonesuch 2-LP set), but the recording quality of the new Telarc is most compelling, and the performance is excellent in its own way, a way that is a little rounder and softer than that of Horenstein. Sadly, Maestro Lopez-Cobos is leaving Cincinnati without having completed a Mahler cycle for Telarc. There is reportedly a 4th in the can that is scheduled for release this fall, but that will be it. How I would have loved to hear these forces record Das Lied von der Erde! But rather than lament over what might have been, let us rather rejoice over what is: this is a truly excellent release in every way.