Few composers have understood and enjoyed Mahler's works, as much as has Leonard Bernstein. I could rave on and on, about how good the performances of these three symphonies SOUND, but the real treat here is watching Bernstein perform them. There is a comment in one of the bonus sections, where Bernstein states that Mahler's works are so well-written that a conductor should need do little more than stare at the score and conduct. But he then admits that he feels compelled to try to coax the orchestra (and perhaps the audience) to enjoy the same experience he is having.