Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde

Reviews:

“Eiji Oue has been getting great press since he became music director of the Minnesota Orchestra, and this brand new recording gives us an idea why. The crystal-clear audiophile recording allows us to hear all of Mahler’s colors. Jon Villars sounds as if he’s at the start of a fine tenorial career. But the true find here is Michelle DeYoung, who sings with a warmth and communication reminiscent of Christa Ludwig. This is a wonderful set, performed with intelligence and feeling, and it should rise to the top of any list of superb Das Lieds.” —Robert Levine

“For Mahler fans, this is simply a must-have recording.” —Karl Kehring, THE SENSIBLE SOUND

“Fine as the singers are, the real stars of this performance are the conductor and the orchestra. Oue draws from these musicians playing of the most refined delicacy and beauty, especially evident in the gorgeous woodwind solos. Having learned this score from such eminent conductors as Walter, Klemperer and Bernstein, I must affirm that Oue does not suffer in comparison to those giants, but stands here as their peer. If this masterpiece is new to you, there is no more persuasive combination of performance and sound to guide you through its mysteries.” —Wayne Donnelly, ULTIMATE AUDIO

“Eiji Oue has made some great recordings for Reference, but this one is simply extraordinary. In its expressive intensity this performance clearly belongs with the best ever recorded. Add to all of this, sonics of drop-dead demonstration quality, and the result is without question a recording for the ages. Stunning.” —David Hurwitz, CLASSICS TODAY