By sylvain
04-Jul-2010

My reference for the Ressurection  

I own a few records of the 2nd symphony of Mahler. One is conducted by Pierre Boulez and the singers are Christine Schafer and Michele de Young. I think that I have 3 records before this one.

What's so special about this one? It remains for me the reference, the standard, the one in which you compare other records. In my point of view, Kubelik was at his peak, in total control of his orchestra that he was a real maestro. Also, the contribution of Brigitte Fassbeander and Edith Mathis (two other performers at their peak at that moment) make me believe that this masterwork remains my favorite. Some other interpretations are too slow (Boulez for one), others lack of the intensity, other the might of the subject.

Kubelik was all that: a faster tempo but not so much, the might of the final chorus, the subtlety and nuance that he asks from his soloist, that makes me listen with pleasure and serenity.

At the time of my first audition at the Resurrection symphony more than 20 years ago and it was still on cassette, I was amazed by it. Now, the Audite recording still moves me with its clear sound. A precise realization and a very fine remastering of that masterwork of Gustav Mahler.

Thank you.
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