Mahler is the last great Romantic symphonist, music conceived on the grandest scale and employing elaborate forces. He wanted to express his view of the human condition, to set down his lofty ideals about Life, Death and the Universe.

Here is the list of the top 10 recordings collected by  Gramophone to help start your collection…

1. Symphony No 5 – Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra / Rattle[ASA]B00006I9K2[/ASA]
2. Das Lied von der Erde – Ludwig; Wunderlich; Philharmonia Orchestra / Klemperer[ASA]B00000GCAH[/ASA]
3. Symphony No 9 – Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra / Karajan[ASA]B000001GK9[/ASA]
4. Des Knaben Wunderhorn – Schwarzkopf; Fischer-Dieskau; LSO / Szell[ASA]B00004R8TP[/ASA]
5. Symphony No 1 – Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra / Kubelík[asa]B000001GX9[/asa]
6. Symphony No 4 – Staatskapelle Dresden / Sinopoli[asa]B0013Y0EIU[/asa]
7. Symphony No 2 – London Philharmonic Orchestra / Jurowski [asa]B004UVCONQ[/asa]
8. Symphony No 8 – London Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra / Tennstedt [asa]B004KDO2SE[/asa]
9. Song-cycles – Baker; Hallé; New Philharmonia / Barbirolli[asa] B000002ROV[/asa]
10. Symphony No 7 – Chicago Symphony Orchestra / Abbado[asa]B000001GNE[/asa]