Young English conductor James Judd leads the Florida Philharmonic in a spellbinding performance of Mahler's 1st Symphony which includes the rarely heard "Blumine" movement; Mahler deleted it from his final version of the score, which is the one most commonly used by orchestras today. Judd successfully leads his forces in an exquisitely played performance that isn't far removed from what you'd expect from the best orchestras in North America and Europe. At this price, it is absolutely a steal, and one worth owning for another fine interpretation of Mahler's 1st symphony.

This is an average performance that has nothing special to say. Having in shelf so great readings of this

symphony, this is not a recommendable option, even for beginners. Absolutely dispensable.

If you are looking for a good Mahler First, this one is about as good as you can get. To summarize: Judd leads the Florida Philharmonic in a performance that is subtle and detailed for the first and third movements, appropriately salty in the second movement, and stunning in the fourth. Then of course is the beautiful "Blumine" movement.

1st mvt: A softer opening you couldn't ask for. And as the themes come through, listen to how perfect the playing is. All is in order.

2nd mvt: this is the movement of Mahler's First that convinced me that it was not so much a "Titan" symphony as a "Seafaring" symphony. The symphony is full of salty, piraty themes, with plenty of waves to rock the boat.

3rd mvt: this is often referred to as the "gypsy" movement, because the main theme has its origins in a gypsy song. What is really amazing about it though, is that it can hold your attention almost more than the fast movements. That can't be said of many symphonies.

4th mvt: Another great act in this amazing symphony. This time the seafarers are ambushed on an island, and an escape is made by the ship through a large dark tunnel.