Mahler Symphonies

[Motrax]

I'm in the process of going through Mahler's symphonies and other works, and am curious about which recordings I should listen to. Who're your favorite conductors for Mahler's works? I don't own any recordings, though I've listened to a number of Bernstein's symphony recordings, so any suggestions are very much appreciated.

Thanks!

-M

[stevie]

for starters, get bernstein's complete set.

i got it pretty cheap and they are the best recordings to get to know the music, they are very directly emotional.

[pabst]

and after you're done with the kiddy stuff, it's time for the Boulez, for a serious mahler
or maybe just my personal taste

[mikey6]

Abbado is the best all round (according to gramophone) but probably the priciest as well. Haitink has  done the complete set as well.
Karajan's 9th, Soltis' 5th and Tenstedt (forgotten spelling sorry) 8th are famous. 

[Motrax]

Did Boulez record all of them?

I listened to some more Bernstein, and I'm 'fraid I don't really like his style much (too bad since the set is such a bargain ). Thanks for all of your suggestions so far.

[Bob]

Bruno Walter was a conductor and friend of Mahler.  There is a set of CDs of Walter conducting Mahler.  Those might be a little more "pure" because of that connection.

[anodibu]

Otto Klemperer conducting Mahler's 2nd symphony. It's on the Great Recordings of the Century series of EMI classics.
Klemperer conducted the off-stage band of the symphony at a perfomance which Mahler attended. Later Mahler helped to launch Klemperer's career securing his first 2 appointments.