Amazon.co.uk Review
This is a fine performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 2 that grows in stature as it progresses. Some may find the first two movements lacking in fantasy and imagination, a touch too literal. There isn't quite the anguished anger one might expect in the Totenfeier opening-movement funeral march, needed to create more tension for later resolution; and not exactly the bitter-sweetness of an authentic Viennese laendler lilt in the second. But the dark burlesque of the scherzo draws more character from Chailly, while in the rapt "Urlicht", Petra Lang makes time stand still with breathtakingly intimate singing (more daring than in her 1998 performance on
Andrew Litton's Mahler 2). But ultimately the symphony rests on that resolution, provided by the gigantic final movement, moving from Day of Judgment to Resurrection. Maybe Chailly is still more controlling than characterful, but the final pages are as radiant and golden as the Decca sound, which captures the fabulous Concertgebouw brass section especially well. Melanie Diener and the thrilling Prague Philharmonic Choir also impress. The filler is Mahler's original version of his Totenfeier.
Rattle (CBSO) and
Haitink (Berlin Philharmonic) generate more electricity, but this is still a welcome newcomer. --
Andrew Green