An Annual Swimsuit Issue of a Mahler Ninth
I can understand all the praises poured down on this recording. The recording is almost magical and the orchestral playing leaves nothing to be desired. It is just like the Sports Illustrated Annual Swimsuit Issue. The girls are so pretty, sensuous, and beautifully photographed. And Yes, both are utterly devoid of spiritual communication while still remaining attractive. The Immense Hollow is probably the only thing Karajan delivers, as he does most of the time. There are many great recordings of Mahler Ninth, Klemperer, Boulez, young Bernstein, and even Abbado with Mahler Youth Orchestra, for example, which will surely amaze you at the very personal level. This recording is a true Hollywood version of Mahler Ninth, although some people mistakenly label Bernstein with that name. If you need to buy Karajan's record, I would recommend his Vienna New Year's Concert. That was the only time I found Karajan really satisfying.