With any recording of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 2 in C minor, "Resurrection," expectations tend to run high because this is one of the most ambitious and emotionally compelling of his symphonies, and this release from Ondine by Christoph Eschenbach and the Philadelphia Orchestra holds more promise than many in the annual yield of Mahler recordings. Certainly, both the conductor and the orchestra are assured in this repertoire, and having them together on a hybrid SACD gives this package excellent prospects. Yet, ...
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With any recording of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 2 in C minor, "Resurrection," expectations tend to run high because this is one of the most ambitious and emotionally compelling of his symphonies, and this release from Ondine by Christoph Eschenbach and the Philadelphia Orchestra holds more promise than many in the annual yield of Mahler recordings. Certainly, both the conductor and the orchestra are assured in this repertoire, and having them together on a hybrid SACD gives this package excellent prospects. Yet, regrettably, this is just a respectable performance that has some fine touches, some genuine excitement in a few places, and a handful of subtle moments, but on the whole seems to be mostly competent, professional, and polished, not the sublime revelation of redemption that other conductors have delivered. The performers are all skilled, and their singing and playing is mostly accurate, so there can be no disappointment over any mistakes or lapses in execution. There is little wrong with the...
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