Symphony No. 2 in C minor 'Resurrection'

Gustav Mahler

Recordings

Top Choice

Zubin Mehta / Vienna Philharmonic

1975

Gil's first recommendation. 'A sonic spectacular... Wonderful sounding Decca recording. You get all the drama here.'

Also Worth Hearing

Otto Klemperer / Philharmonia

1962 Studio recording

The power 'builds more patiently.' It has 'a grit and a relentlessness to it.'

Otto Klemperer / Bavarian Radio Symphony

1965 Live recording

Gil thinks this is 'even better than the studio performance.' It 'sounds pretty good' and has 'an extra excitement.'

Otto Klemperer / Concertgebouw

1951

'A little bit more quick and incisive' but with limited sound.

Sir Simon Rattle / City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

c. 1980s

'More patient... takes a more introspective approach... but still powerful in its own way.' Wonderful digital sound.

Sir John Barbirolli / Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra

1970 Live recording

Gil's 'Mahler second of choice.' Despite 'noisy' sound, 'Barbirolli just... brings home all the emotions... a really draining experience.'

Hermann Scherchen / Vienna State Opera Orchestra

1958

'A really unique conductor... an iconoclast.' Worth seeking out for the 'excitement that he brought to it.'

Bruno Walter / New York Philharmonic

1957 Live recording

Gil feels this 'shows Walter at his best, at his most inspired... had this spiritual quality.' Recommends it over the popular Sony studio recording.