What is a good intro to "Mahler"?

I was listening to Das Lied von der Erde last night! Jessye Norman, etal, Berlin/James Levine on DG. Not sure how it compares to others. I bought it cheap from a local record store going out of business.

RCprince, thanks for pointing out that Zander Telarc release on SACD. I'll give it a try, I think. Cheers,

This is just wonderful....thanks for all the responses!

Russ....good to see (read) you again!

Sugar, try K Ferrier/B Walter for Das Liede. Very moving performance... Keep a bottle of Scotch handy, and stay away from windows.

True Greg, as we exchanged notes on another thread, Kathleen Ferrier is not to be beat here. Dieskau is too mannered for my liking and besides it needs a woman to express that kind of grief. One must be brutish, to be not moved by that voice and that expression. Scotch is not enough and it also tends to dull senses too fast. I would suggest half a bottle of Mouton R. before and the rest, while listening. Cheers,