Search - Gustav Mahler, Georg Solti, London Symphony Orchestra :: Mahler: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2

REREVIEW-FIRST ONE LOST

Norman H Stevens | Lake View Terrace, California United States | 07/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I wrote an extensive review after receiving this recording of the Mahler 1st and 2nd symphonies, but there was a submission glitch and it was lost in cyberspace. Therefore, I will try again with a much abreviated version.

In the latter half of the infamous 60's, the London Symphony Orchestra was unsurpassed (shortly before Sir Georg accepted the Chicago position). His interpretation of Mahler is flawless, allowing the music to build tension and release without creating events along the way. The brass of the LSO is superb, especially the trombones in the 1st symphony, and the balanced recording is superb from top to bottom, however, I have one minor reservation. There is not enough organ in the triumphant finale of the "Resurrection". Maestro Solti's 80's digital recording with the CSO provided that Divine Sound, but it is the only weakness here. Heather Harper and Helen Watts are the best soloists money can buy in the 2nd symphony and both renditions belong in any serious Mahlerite's collection."