Rafael Kubelik & Symphonie-Orchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks – Mahler: Symphonie Nr. 1 (SHM-SACD single layer)

Master conductor Rafael Kubelik is responsible for many magnificent recordings that he left behind for Deutsche Grammophon. The focus is on the complete Mahler symphony cycle, which Kubelik recorded between 1967 and 1971 with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra – a recording considered the first Mahler cycle by a German orchestra. The first release includes “Symphony No. 1 (Titan),” recorded in 1967; “Symphony No. 2 (Resurrection), recorded in May 1967, and the “Songs of a Wayfarer,” recorded in November 1968 with soloist Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. This first release traces Kubelik’s career, as he was already engaging with Mahler at a time when the composer’s music had not yet achieved the widespread acceptance it enjoys today. The recordings took place in Munich in May 1967 (No. 3), October 1967 (No. 1), November 1968 (“Songs of a Wayfarer”), and February–March 1969 (No. 2).

To mark the 30th anniversary of Rafael Kubelik’s death, Universal Music Japan is presenting these impressive recordings in outstanding sound quality as a triple SHM-CD set (single-layer). This strictly limited edition is based on a newly created DSD master, produced in 2026 by Emil Berliner Studios in Germany using the original master.

MUSICIANS

Conductor: Rafael Kubelik
Orchestra: Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra

„Symphony No. 2”
Choir: Bavarian Radio Chorus
Soprano: Edith Mathis
Alto: Norma Procter

„Symphony No. 3“
Choir: Tölz Boys’ Choir and Bavarian Radio Chorus
Alto: Marjorie Thomas

„Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen“
Baritone: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau 

This title is an SHM SACD. This format is the further development of the single-layer SACD and uses a particularly light-transparent plastic (Super High Material). It allows a much better readability of the pit-land structures on the surface than is possible with hybrid SACDs. Universal’s SHM SACDs are generally re-digitized to DSD from the albums’ master tapes without any changes. SHM SACDs can be played on any SACD player. Please do not use L’Art du Son or alcohol-based cleaning agents. – Please note: All titles are designed by Universal Music as limited edition collector’s items for the Japanese market.

Lista pieselor

Disc 1

Gustav Mahler (1860-1911)

“Symphony No. 1 In D Major (Titan)”
1.    Langsam. Schleppend.
2.    Kräftig bewegt
3.    Feierlich und gemessen, ohne zu schleppen
4.    Stürmisch bewegt

“Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen”
5.    Wenn mein Schatz Hochzeit macht
6.    Ging heut’ morgens übers Feld
7.    Ich hab’ ein glühend Messer
8.    Die zwei blauen Augen von meinem Schatz

Disc 2

“Symphony No. 2 In C Minor (Resurrection)”
1.    Allegro maestoso. Mit durchaus ernstem und feierlichem Ausdruck
2.    Andante moderato. Sehr gemächlich
3.    Scherzo. In ruhig fließender Bewegung
4.    „Urlicht“. Sehr feierlich, aber schlicht – „O Röschen rot“
5.    Im Tempo des Scherzos. Sehr langsam und gedehnt
6.    „Aufersteh’n, ja aufersteh’n wirst du“. Mit Aufschwung, aber nicht eilen

Disc 3

“Symphony No. 3 In D Minor”
1.    Kräftig. Entschieden
2.    Tempo di Menuetto. Sehr mäßig
3.    Comodo. Scherzando. Ohne Hast
4.    Sehr langsam. Misterioso („O Mensch! Gib Acht!“)
5.    Lustig im Tempo und keck im Ausdruck („Bimm Bamm!“)
6.    VI. Langsam. Ruhevoll. Empfunden