What did they do to deserve Mehta, Masur, and Maazel, all in a row? These Mahler readings, of which only the song cycle is actually compelling, are dogged run throughs, the work of a virtuosic orchestra led briskly through its paces. Of true Mahler feeling there is very little. The sound is glaring and shallow, too.

Altogether, a sad reminder of a long era in which a great orchestra has lacked anything close to inspired conducting. Like everyone who loved the NY Phil. from the Bernstein days, I can only wish them much better days to come--but Maazel has signed up for another five years, so their salvation won't happen any time soon. Meanwhile, they still sound great and do wonderful work, especially when their resident conductor isn't around.