Early in my undergraduate studies I experienced the music of Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) for the first time. Ever since that time I have held a special place of honor in my list of favorites for Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 in C Minor – known as the “Ressurection” symphony – especially the concluding portion of the final movement.

Also – I have also always favored the interpretation of Leonard Bernstein even though he may actually overstep the boundaries of Mahler’s intentions from time to time. However, there is no denying that Bernstein makes the most of every moment and every emotion of Mahler’s gigantic masterpiece.

Today I point you toward a 1974 recording that was offered at the Edinburgh Festival with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Edinburgh Festival Chorus, and soloists Sheila Armstrong, soprano, and Janet Baker, mezzo-soprano – conducted by Leonard Bernstein.

This first link will take you to the final section of the final movement – about 8:30 – while the second link will take you to a recording of the entire symphony – about an hour and a half. The third link will take you to notes and text prepared by Richard Freed for a 2008 presentation at the Kennedy Center in Washington.

Again – turn the volume up and revel in the overwhelming impact of this gigantic masterpiece!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf5fM1i3MGQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdc5n562zZg

http://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar/?fuseaction=composition&composition_id=2484