´óÏó´«Ã½

William Mival assesses recordings of Mahler's epic Symphony No. 2 'Resurrection' and makes a recommendation.

A journey from the darkness of a funeral march via the terror of the Last Judgement through to the light of redemption and, finally, resurrection is not to be undertaken lightly. In the case of Mahler's second symphony it takes around 80 minutes and needs a massive orchestra including 10 horns, 8 trumpets, 4 trombones and a battery of percussion with 2 sets of timpani, bass drum, cymbals, tam‑tams, snare drums, bells (and a twig cluster). It also calls for organ, soloists and chorus.

Since its first recording in 1924 the 'Resurrection' has been a challenge for sound engineers, big-name conductors and orchestras alike, all striving for the cathartic transcendence a great performance should deliver.

Recommended recording:

Arleen Auger, Janet Baker, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus, Simon Rattle (conductor)
Available in a compilation set: Simon Rattle – The CBSO Years
WARNER CLASSICS 2564610055 (52CD)

Or individually as a download

Other recommended recordings:
Below is a shortlist of other recordings which William Mival also liked, although we can’t guarantee the availability of these discs.

Kathleen Battle (soprano), Christa Ludwig (mezzo), Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, James Levine (conductor)
ORFEO C837112B (2CD)

Victoria Elliot (soprano), Eugenia Zareska (mezzo), Halle Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli (conductor)
BARBIROLLI SOCIETY SJB107879 (2CD)

Eteri Gvazava (soprano), Anna Larsson (contralto), Orfeon Donostiarra, Lucerne Festival Orchestra, Claudio Abbado (conductor)
DG E4775082 (2CD)

Show less