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 emphasises themes of longing, despair and optimism. Through the prophetic brass swells and percussion tsunamis of this enduring work, faith ultimately prevails.
- Sergiu Celibidache, Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della RAI di Torino & Berlin Philharmonic
- Berlin Philharmonic & Sir Simon Rattle
- London Symphony Orchestra & John Eliot Gardiner
- Lang Lang & Sophie Shao
- Carlo Maria Giulini & Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra