Mahler: Symphony No. 2 in C minor ‘Resurrection’
Performed by Kate Royal (soprano), and Magdalena Kožená (mezzo-soprano), the Berliner Philharmoniker and the Rundfunkchor Berlin, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle
Gustav Mahler’s amazing Symphony No. 2, titled ‘Resurrection’ with Simon Rattle and the Berliner Philharmoniker, the Rundfunkchor Berlin and star soloists Kate Royal and Magdalena Kožená was recorded at a concert at Berlin’s Philharmonie in late October 2010.
The Symphony, scored for orchestra, soloists and chorus became one of the most successful and popular of Mahler’s symphonies during his lifetime. Not only was the work premiered by the Berliner Philharmoniker (in 1895) but it is an important work in Simon Rattle’s musical journey, as well. As I recall, this same work was performed by Simon Rattle as his final concert with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, after he had been their leader for almost 20 years.
As Mr. Rattle recalls: “[Mahler’s Symphony No 2] was the piece that made me take up conducting in the first place when I heard it in a live performance when I was 12…”
The press was full of praise for this performance. Here’s just one quote:
“Of course there’s much to admire. The BPO are on fantastic form, the recorded sound is sumptuous but clear and Rattle brings some new thoughts to the piece. The first movement is striking for its deliberate, almost stealthy beginning, and there’s a slow, almost dreamlike delicacy about the music.”
…………………………………The Telegraph, 25th February 2011
Here is a video showing the dramatic ending of this masterpiece:
If you’d like to purchase this recording at Amazon, please click on the image below:
Tags: Gustav Mahler Symphony #2, “Resurrection”, Simon Rattle