Here for your delectation is the SPECTACULAR & RARE------------------MAHLER: SYMPHONY NO. 4 IN G /THE CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA /GEORGE SZELL, Conductor /JUDITH RASKIN, Soprano lp.

This disc is the classic Mahler recording--Szell's Cleveland account of the fourth symphony from 1965. The Cleveland Orchestra has always had a reputation for phenomenal accuracy and brilliance, and Szell harnesses these qualities to give an almost supernaturally clear account of Mahler's score. Details of lower-string phrasing, thrown-away woodwind chirrups, and muted trumpets supporting a melody are given just the right amount of emphasis to make the surface texture sparkle with life. But, more important, Szell also captures the overall mood of ironic playfulness, while heeding Mahler's own direction with regard to the childlike last movement--"without parody."

It is very hard to describe different elements of Szell's interpretation here, because it seems like there is none. What the listener ends up hearing IS Mahler's 4th Symphony. The legendary Cleveland Orchestra seems to blend together perfectly in a mix of precision and beauty. Judith Raskin is the perfect voice for the finale conveying a very simple, yet overwhelming beauty bringing to a close the greatest recording of this piece, and maybe the closest to absolute perfection on disc.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

This is the COLUMBIA ML 6233 lp record. Both the cover and the record are in excellent condition (see photo). There are no visible scratches under normal light. Check my feedback to see that I sell exactly as I describe. So bid now to own this magnificent, impossible-to-find RECORD COLLECTIBLE.