The best Mahler! believe it....Levine!!

recently Ive heard Mahlers symphonies conducted by american conductor James Levine, with difeferent ochestras, in an economical box from Sony-RCA label, from the 70ths, and I think after listening the majority of the recordings available that this is for my taste one of the better integrals of all. In first place the 4th is like we know a classic, a beautiful, delicious and contrasted version with superlative sound; the 5th at similar level than Barshai-Deustche Junge Orchester in "Laurel"/Brilliant label; the 6th, an energetic and virtuosistic version, near to the best versions of this work, for me Gary Bertini, Mitropoulos and Tennstedt recordings; the 7th perhaps the best recording of this work, for over Sinopoli, Abbado (3 recordings)and Scherchen-Vienna Symphony Orch, in Orfeo; the 3th and 9th...also superlatives. Although incomplete this is first option in a non expensive edition, translated to 24 bits, conducted by an (in general) menospreciated conductor, that surprisingly demostrates to be an excellent mahlerian!!  

And...Im not the only one that thinks so:

"These
recordings are all remarkable for their superb clarity and balance.
Detail is thrillingly present without being spot-lit exaggeratedly (as
is sadly often the case in Bernstein's CBS set)" R. C. Ross

"There
are so many breathtaking moments in these performances that it would be
hard to select highlights, but one outstanding example is Levine's
treatment of the last movement Adagio of the Ninth. Not even Karajan or
Bernstein generate the sense of timeless flow and poignant beauty he
achieves; details emerge without self-consciousness and climaxes are
shattering."......"Levine can be seriously considered on the level of the
two conductors who have hitherto led the field where the Mahler Fourth
Symphony is concerned--Kletzki (HMV Concert Classics) and Szell (CBS
Classics). His performance is a really beautiful one, which explores the
depths as well as the charms of this work, especially in the slow
movement, which is quite remarkable. ... The recording is one of great
clarity" Ralph Moore

"I've had more fun listening to these
performances than many of the recent Mahler recordings, such as ones by
MTT and Jansons. Levine seems to have more to say, and knows how to get
his interpretational choices across without making the playing feel
micromanaged and forced. If you're looking to buy more Mahler, this is
the way to go, especially given the extremely low price." R. D. Monsoon

"It
is enough to say that there are few, very few, recordings of this
tremendous symphony (6th)that are more complete in their precision,
sensitivity and power. Levine achieves a rare and greatly desirable
paradox: a reading that is penetratingly and eloquently objective while
being also and in equal measure profoundly responsive and personal." R.
C. Ross

What do you think about this recordings??. Best regards! oscar.olavarria