This is a recording of the amazing Symphony #2 by Gustav Mahler, with Barbara Kilduff (soprano), Christa Ludwig (mezzo-soprano), the National Choir ‘Rinat’, The Tel Aviv Philharmonic Choir, the Ihud Choir, and The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, James Levine, conducting.
The State of Israel did not exist when Mahler died in 1911. Yes, he was surely aware of his own Jewish roots, and of the anti Jewish sentiment in Vienna once Mahler was named to the prestigious post of General Direcor of the Vienna Opera, and conductor of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
After a few years of accomplishments, Mahler had enough. He left Vienna for New York City, and he conducted there at the Metropolitan Opera and concerts by the NY Philharmonic.
In 1911, as a man with a severe Heart ailment, Mahler returned to Vienna. He died there, and he is buried at the so-called Grinzing Cemetery, outside Vienna.
Here is the second movement from Mahler’s Symphony #2, as conducted by James Levine:
