[squash54]

Hi all,
I love music (and rugby) but did not listen to much Mahler until I was given a boxed set of his Symphonies played by the magnificent Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Sir George Solti. I was watching a Rugby test match on TV and became tired of the inane commentary which, to my mind, was spoiling the spectacle of the sporting contest. So I decided to switch off the sound and put Mahler's 5th on (loud) and listen to it at the same time. My ears nearly fell off as the combination was so good - sometimes the drama of the music exactly matched what was occuring on the field.This work is now one of my favorites and I really enjoy choosing various pieces of classical music to listen to while watching sport on TV (it works with cricket too!!).
I know Solti has attracted criticism for his interpretation of Mahler's music as too 'brutal' and 'unsubtle' but it works for me and I recommend the entire set without reservation. Some of the works are also available individually including another favorite, the 2nd.
All the best.