Benjamin Zander - Philharmonia Orchestra - Mahler: Symphony No. 2 - Choir & Organ

From the superfluity of recordings of Mahler's Second Symphony from the world's greatest conductors and orchestras, why choose this CD? For the simple reason that it is a truly insightful, inspiring and engaging reading from a Mahler interpreter of considerable and honest musicality. For example, Zander's way with the Andante con moderato second movement reveals his complete understanding of this music: transparent textures and a delightful lilt characterise his view. Elsewhere he is grand, passionate and tender, and Zander's Philharmonia forces deliver at every turn, while Sarah Connolly offers a moving account of the ‘Urlicht' movement. The recording from Linn is exemplary, and a link to Linn's website delivers one of Zander's characteristic discussions of the piece as well as other ancillary material.