Search - Gustav Mahler, Leonard Slatkin, Saint Louis Symphony Chorus :: Mahler: Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection"

Buy the SACD

Paul Van de Water | Virginia, USA | 04/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As other reviewers note, this recording is now available in a superb SACD remastering. You will find the SACD at Mahler: Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection" [Hybrid SACD]. At its 2-for-1 discount price, the SACD is a tremendous bargain, so there's no reason to buy the CD version listed here."

PERFECT

Dorothy Patton | Las Vegas, Nevada | 09/01/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I HAVE JUST PLAYED THE FIRST MOVEMENT. I HAVE GOOSEBUMPS, THRILLS AND CHILLS UP AND DOWN THE SPINE AND I TYPE THIS WITH TEARS IN MY EYES. AFTER 60 YEARS OF LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT PERFORMANCE I HAVE FINALY FOUND IT. IT DOES EXIST AND THIS IS IT. THFC"

Best of the Best

West Coast Paddler | Pacific NW | 11/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This symphony has become my favourite of all I've heard (really not that many) including the old stand-by, Mr. B's 9th. It's incredibly moving and I like my catharsis.



I'm something of a dilettante with classical music but this symphony has grabbed me enough to seek out as many recordings as I could find. I've listened to Farberman, Hamari, Kaplan, Klemperer, 2 x SFSO (1 x MTT), Rattle and Mehta - is Hamari a soloist? Anyway... After all that -- and it's truly amazing the difference in interpretations -- Slatkin's I find is the most moving.



There are several, what I call, signature moments which I would bounce back and forth (all mp3s) from version to version to catch the differences. The two I'll mention are both in the final movement. The first is about 7 minutes in and the orchestra gets quite worked up in a marvelous crescendo that leads to a strangely emotional tympani roll. There is just the right amount of separation from the orchestra to tympani; as I say, strangely moving(Every conductor treats this passage differently, some differences are subtle, some are unique). Second is the finale -- the choral phrases layered one atop the other building, again, to a stunning climax supported by a bold (much missed if it is not there) and earth-shaking organ. No one else comes close.



(I fantasize about listening to this symphony in a town square anchored by a cathedral (alright, I actually think of Burrard Street in Vancouver with the throng seated facing down the slope north from Nelson St. to the wonderful VSO facing south) and at the right moment, the bells from the church(es) peal from behind the seated throng. My fantasy doesn't mention where the organ is located.)



Overall, after listening to all the versions, it just seems that my emotional response peaked with Slatkin and the St Louis SO. They sync with the score like no other. The tempo at each moment seems... just right. The quality of the recording as well is excellent. It's nice to wave the flag a bit as well, as Canadian Maureen Forrester contributes."