Deutsche Grammophon seems to have a monopoly on great Mahler Firsts, with Bernstein, Kubelik, and Boulez all prime recommendations. This 1977 underrated but otherwise superb recording ("Blumine" was added later, in 1984) stands proud among the label's distinguished company--as sunny and lyrical a performance as you could possibly ask for, and the finest available recording of the symphony's five-movement version. From the atmospheric opening to the tremendous first movement climax, through a delicate Blumine, a rustic and genial Scherzo, an aptly spooky funeral march at a gravely slow tempo, and a fiery finale with an especially luscious second subject, Ozawa doesn't miss a trick. The closing pages have an absolutely cinematic splendor, and listen to how impressive those final brass fanfares sound when they aren't rushed! Toss in Fischer-Dieskau's four Rückert-Lieder for good measure, and at the Eloquence price with nicely atmospheric remastering, this disc is a steal. Even if you're swimming in Mahler One's, you should hear this one.

--David Hurwitz