5/5 Near-perfect Mahler
  by gpk (Salt Lake City, UT United States)
Bernstein's Mahler is always "big," melodious, dramatic and more or less "romantic" in the best sense of the word. He does not overtly stress the forward-looking, modernistic elements in the symphonies (like the more analytical readings of Scherchen, Gielen, Boulez), nor does he underplay them. In a word: either you love Bernstein's approach (and, visually speaking, his histrionics), or you don't. If you do, the three symphonies packed onto two DVDs will please you immensely. They are from his splendid 1970s-period collaboration with the Wiener Philharmoniker (in case of the second, with the London Symphony Orchestra, recorded in beautiful Ely Cathedral), include some of the most distinguished soloists and choral forces of their time and display much refinement and an equal amount of vigor. As opposed to his early Mahler set and his late recordings, the tempi are near perfect. The orchestral playing is very fine, notwithstanding some painful glitches in the Vienna brass, the video has been cleaned up very well and the audio is quite good. Humphrey Burton's direction is sensitive and expert. Highly recommended.

5/5 Great Performances
  by Harvey Brenner (of Sunnyvale, California)


Leonard Bernstein clearly had a passion for the music of Mahler. These performances are superlative in every respect and are a testimonial to Bernstein's insightful and interpretative powers with this music in particular. All were undertaken during the third productive phase of Bernstein's career which was spent largely in Europe.

The value of this excellent two DVD set is significant in that it features Symphonies Nos.1-3 performed with the Vienna Philharmonic ( Nos. 1,3 ) and London Symphony Orchestras. Noteworthy are the fine artists Janet Baker and Sheila Armstrong ( No.2 ) , and Christa Ludwig in No.3. The Edinburgh Festival Chorus ( No.2 ) and Vienna State Opera Choir ( No.3 ) are also impressive.

Anyone looking for the best of Mahler and Bernstein on DVD need not look any farther than this collection. Bernstein was a master of his art, and the same can be said for Humphrey Burton, under whose direction these visual performances truly stand out. I believe that a 5 Star rating is more than justified even though video quality is a little grainy at times.

Finally, one has only to view Bernstein's masterful conducting in Symphony No.2 and the sheer ebulience he demonstrated as he brought the symphony to its choral close.

5/5 Worth the price just for the 2nd symphone alone.
  by Erez Katz (MA, USA)
The 1st is ok but there are better recordings (Bernstein with the Concertgebow or Solti's come to mind). The double bass solo in the 3rd movement is sloppy and quite disappointing.

The 2nd symphony is nothing short of incredible. Bernstein got the musician hooked. The trumpets sing with lyrical love for the music. Janet Baker is magnificent.

I haven't heard the 3rd symphony yet, when I do I will update this review.

5/5 Very impressive interpretation
  by Geraldo Moreno
Mahler is a dense and complex composer. Dificult to play...pianississimo(ppp) with trombones...!!! and more dificult to conduct...Bernstein has an impressive interpretation, rare I would say. I recomend...

Geraldo Moreno
(cellist of Orquestra Sinfônica de Campinas, São Paulo,
Brazil, South America)

5/5 Berstein and Mahler
  by Robert H. Griffiths
Order came quickly. Sound and visual are awesome. Music is to die for!!