The Ninth is even finer: a first movement of exceptional organic unity with impressive climaxes and exceptionally clear polyphonic lines; a second movement that generously observes Mahler's tempo indication to speed up the crazy waltz each time it returns (there is no finer version available); an aptly nasty Rondo: Burleske that puts on a striking burst of speed toward the finish; and a finale that flows purposefully forward before evaporating in the most ethereal of codas. If you've been collecting the other symphonies, you already know that Nos. 1, 2, 3, 6, and 8 rank with the very best available. They are all beautifully recorded and are played with uninhibited virtuosity by the SWR orchestra. Spread over 13 discs, and absent the often strange and silly (but equally well done) couplings by various contemporary composers, this isn't the most economically laid out set: it's just the best. Nothing more need be said. [6/29/2004]

--David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com