Gergiev, alongside the Munich Philharmonic, resurrects Mahler’s mighty Second in this strong reading. Bringing charisma and seriousness to the composer’s apocalyptic-yet-hopeful work, Gergiev equally emphasizes themes of longing, despair, and optimism. Through the prophetic brass swells and percussion tsunamis of this enduring work, faith ultimately prevails.
- Berlin Philharmonic & Sir Simon Rattle
- Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Munich Radio Orchestra & Bavarian Radio Chorus
- Leonard Bernstein, Eileen Farrell & New York Philharmonic
- London Symphony Orchestra & John Eliot Gardiner
- Klaus Tennstedt, London Philharmonic Orchestra & Lucia Popp
- Wilhelm Furtwängler