Search - Gustav Mahler, Maurice Abravanel, Utah Symphony Orchestra :: Mahler: Symphony No. 2 in C minor "Resurrection" - Utah Symphony, Abravanel (Vanguard Ultra Analog 20 bit)

A glittering Beverly Sills!

Laury A. Egan | NJHighlands, NJ USA | 01/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Beverly Sills in fine voice, with Florence Kopleff, contralto. An uplifting "Resurrection.""

A Great Mahler Symphony Remastered

Rudy Avila | Lennox, Ca United States | 10/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a fine version of Mahler's 2nd Symphony, "Resurrection" based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Maurice Abravanel conducts the Utah Symphony, Beverly Sills sings the soprano portions and Florence Kopleff sings the contralto parts. It's a recording made in the 50's or early 60's. This recording is lesser known than most other recordings of Mahler's 2nd. It's overshadowed by Karajan, Bernstein and Solti versions, however this does not take away from the power and majesty of the sound and magnetism of this recording. Musically, it's ideally rendered. Abravenel knows the score and executes spiritual and uplifting music. While Florence Kopleff is an obscure singer next to Beverly Sills, Kopleff is doing a terrif job singing the lower range in a style that is nearly Handelian. Beverly Sills at this time had not yet received worldwide operatic fame and was at the time taking on the role of Baby Doe in Douglas Moore's opera The Ballad of Baby Doe. Her voice is in its prime and is rich, vibrant and beautiful. Her command of the German language is exemplary. I think this is the earliest recorded singing of Beverly Sills so fans will not hesitate to own it. It's an overall great recording and ought to be more appreciated."