01. - 05. Gustav Mahler - Symphony No.1 in D major (original Hamburg 1893 version) [56'26]
Subtitled as "Symphonic Poem in Two Parts - Titan".
Netherlands Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jan Willem de Vriend.
Challenge Classics CC72355 (recorded May 2009; first issued 2009)
(24bit/96kHz flac and scans - digital download)
Recording venue: Muziekcentrum Enschede, Netherlands
Recording engineer and Producer: Bert van der Wolf
Although there are, of course, hundreds of recordings of Mahler's First Symphony available in its final published edition, there are very few of the first 'Hamburg' version of 1893. In fact, I only know of four - the Jan Willem de Vriend from 2009 and Wyn Morris from 1970 included here plus one on Hungaroton by Zsolt Hamar with Pannon Philharmonic, Pécs and one on Sony by Thomas Hengelbrock with NDR Symphony. I've never heard either of the latter two.
The major difference in the published version is that the Blumine second movement is discarded and orchestration is expanded and improved in the remaining four movements (particularly in the opening fanfares). The Hamburg version also has cello doubling the double-bass at the opening of the Funeral March. The subtitle is also discarded so the published version should never be referred to as 'Titan'. In my opinion, if Blumine is to be included, it should always be as part of the Hamburg version or as a completely separate stand-alone makeweight.
The performance by the Netherlands Symphony under de Vriend seems excellent as usual but unfortunately, for me the recording by Challenge Classics is not up to their usual standard even when heard in this high-resolution download. It all feels a bit gray with inner-voices smudged, not helped by the very low transfer level.
01. - 05. Gustav Mahler - Symphony No.1 in D major (original Hamburg 1893 version) [59'10]
New Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Wyn Morris.
Pye Virtuoso (recorded 1969 or 1970; first issued on LP in 1970)
(16bit/44.1kHz flac no scans - this rip from CD kindly provided by friend Deryk)
Recording venue: Unknown
Recording engineer: Ray Prickett; Producer: Isabella Wallich
This hard to find performance, originally issued on LP in 1970 was subsequently remastered for CD and issued on EMI's short-lived and punning Phoenixa label (after they acquired Pye Nixa's catalogue) and also on HMV Store's in-house label. This rip is from the HMV release; the cover of which apparently gave no indication that this was the original Hamburg version. Unfortunately, I do not have covers or booklets for either CD release so I have just included the original LP cover.
I actually quite like Morris' sensitive and powerful performance and find the recorded sound much more dynamic than de Vriend's even if it is naturally less refined.
Appendix
London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Adrian Boult.
Everest EVC9022 (recorded October 1958; this CD issue 1995)
(16bit/44.1kHz flac and covers - digital download)
Recorded venue: Walthamstow Assembly Hall, London
Recording engineer and Producer: Bert Whyte
Digital producer: Seymour Solomon
I still prefer the First Symphony performed in its published version and my favourite recording remains Adrian Boult's with the London Philharmonic for Everest. I have posted an earlier download before in a comment to another post on MIMIC but have included it here as this may be a better mastering. There seems to be a number of different FLAC downloads around, probably all originating from intermediate masters - all quite good but at times audibly different from each other. I really would like to get hold of a CD made from the original 35mm tapes and rip it myself.
I find this performance to be a breath of fresh air when so many other recordings offer an all very similar romantic approach. It's not only swift and exciting but also genial and exuberant. It's a great shame that Boult wasn't allowed to record more Mahler. The London Philharmonic play spectacularly well for Sir Adrian and it is difficult to believe that the splendid Everest recording is nearly 60 years old.