What is a good intro to "Mahler"?


I have not listened to any of Mahler's work, but I am a classical fan and would be interested in learning more about his work.

What do you recommed as a start-off symphony? Something with life and fire! Must have great sound and perdormance.

And finally, I am a vinyl fan. Need to have it in that format. Thanks all!

Rick
rwd
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,
Detlof, can we share TWO bottles? I'll ease you out of the remaining half bottle of Mouton (pity to leave it in the bottle)before, and we can tackle the next one during!
BTW, speaking of Mahler, has anyone heard Neumann's version of the 5th with Gewandhaus Leipzig (Philips LP, Berlin classics cd - I think)?