Mahler 2nd Symphony

[johnjohn320]

I just sort of felt like I needed to share this with someone. Simon Rattle in his fairwell concert with the CBSO, about 10 years ago. Anne Sofie van Otter is the mezzo in Urlicht. The whole symphony, for those who may not know it, is over an hour long, but here are just a couple highlights:

Urlicht

Finale

Just an incredible performance, in my opinion. Hope you enjoy it-turn your speakers up.

 

[johnjohn320]

Apparently I'm alone on this one.

 

[DomS]

you have to be kidding me!!! I JUST got this yesterday!!!

 

[Madwand1]

I like the piece, but the performance doesn't sound quite right to me. To state the obvious, Rattle and his orchestra is no resurrection of Stokowski et al, though there is some resemblance. But then again, I'm not even sure that Stokowski was Stokowski.

Here's the beginning:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...DvwocM&feature=related

 

[sonambulo]

Who are you, Alec Baldwin or something?

 

[johnjohn320]

Originally posted by: sonambulo
Who are you, Alec Baldwin or something?

What?

 

[johnjohn320]

Originally posted by: Madwand1
I like the piece, but the performance doesn't sound quite right to me. To state the obvious, Rattle and his orchestra is no resurrection of Stokowski et al, though there is some resemblance. But then again, I'm not even sure that Stokowski was Stokowski.

Here's the beginning:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...DvwocM&feature=related

Well, we can spend all day comparing to the greats, but if no one else ever had anything to offer, we'd just record the greats and never need to perform these works again. For what it's worth, I like Rattle a lot-he's clear, animated, and provides a lot of direction outside of just his hands. Did you like how he did this whole symphony from memory? No small feat.

 

[Madwand1]

Originally posted by: johnjohn320
Well, we can spend all day comparing to the greats, but if no one else ever had anything to offer, we'd just record the greats and never need to perform these works again.

Nobody ever gets it 100% perfect and ideal, and our tastes change over time, and there's nothing like a live performance, so new performances always have a role. I like some Mahler, and would love to find a modern recording of this symphony which was better than the Stokowski. Thanks for the suggestion, although this didn't quite live up to that for my musical tastes.

Cheers.