Just to clear things up: this is not the same performance that was recently released on a commercial CD with the same conductor and soloists, but with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and recorded in 1970.As Andy mentions in his comments above, Time seems to stand still here while the performing forces respond to and remark on the casualties of Life. Kmentt is ideal in the tenor songs, singing with full, beautiful tone,nailing the numerous musical turns in the vocal line and providing an arresting opening while also providing ample contrast to Baker's more inward reflections. She is caught in her absolute prime, her voice incredibly rich and full of color. The final half-hour song (Der Abschied) is not only heartbreaking in its acceptance of our Mortality, but provides a blossom of Hope for the after-life.Kubelik leads a spirited performance that never becomes sluggish and the NDR Hamburg Symphony is marvelous, both for its ensemble and the individual solos from the different instrument groups. The sound is first-rate all the way. I would've preferred a little more space between movements though one can easily press Pause on the remote control.All Mahler lovers should hear this.