One can only blame Maazel for how short this effort falls. While there's occasional individual moments that remind you that it's a "live" recording, the playing is mostly on the level you'd expect from the NYP and the singing is generally good, too. However, after hearing the SFS/MTT release recently and thinking IT was way too distended in parts, this is downright comical. Too bad, because I usually love the NYP in Mahler. So long Maazel - don't let the screen door hit you on the way out!

haha one of the trombones screws up really bad in the 23rd movement at 5:08 seconds in. But still an epic recording especially for it being live.

The voices on this recording are stunning, but the orchestra far below par and the tempi quite literally put me to sleep! Stick with MTT & San Fran or Solti with Chicago.

I was at one of the performances in June, and like most of Maazel's recent Mahler it lacked momentum and inspiration. [And the acoustics in Avery Fisher don't help at all.] If you want a superbly performed and recorded version of the 8th, get the new live San Francisco Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas.

His Mahler cycle is now complete. I don't mind Lorin at all but his swan song with the ny philly dang near put me to sleep. He's been know the last few years to take things a slow pace but this is pushing the limits. Bravo for the orchestra and soloists for having the stamina to keep going, especially the brass. Try this if you dare but it's not Boulez or MTT. It's more of a souvinar for a wonderful career but if this is your first taste of the eighth you might want to pass over this one. -Bz