Philharmonia Orchestra/Klemperer

Mahler Resurrection Symphony

(Warner Classics)

There simply could not have been a more appropriate time for a re-release of this great and historic recording of Mahler’s Second Symphony, the Resurrection, with the RSNO’s Edinburgh and Glasgow performances of the same work this coming weekend. This recording, for me, is the granddaddy of interpretations, performances and recordings of Mahler Two. Otto Klemperer eschews sentiment and schmaltz, directing the Resurrection with a structure and a texture that is as solid as a tank. It was recorded in 1961-62 over three sessions. It’s been a family possession since it came out. I’ve listened to it hundreds of times over 50 years and know every nuance of the thing. It’s been playing in my head for more than half a century. It is the definitive performance and recording for me. The playing and singing with Hilde Rossl-Majdan, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, the incredible Philharmonia Orchestra, its chorus and that genius Klemperer still have me in a state of wonder, more than half a lifetime later.

Michael Tumelty