Leonard Slatkin - Mahler: Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection" 1982) [2005 SACD]

The CD version of Leonard Slatkin’s Mahler Second was a vast improvement over the original LPs, which, one critic complained, sounded as if “wrapped in fur”. Now SACD technology allows the full-bandwidth of the Soundstream original to be experienced in the home. Listening to the sound’s arresting clarity and bracing impact, it’s scarcely believable that this performance was taped more than 20 years ago. The massed strings’ imposing first note–impressive on CD–now lurches brazenly forward, commanding your attention. Instrumental groupings have a new solidity of placement as well as clearly defined individual lines–particularly so in the third movement, with its cross-cutting wind and string runs.
But Mahler’s “Resurrection” has been called “the first audiophile symphony” primarily for its extreme dynamic range, particularly the tremendous climaxes in the fifth movement, which Telarc’s recording always handled quite comfortably; but now on SACD they resound with newly thunderous impact. In some ways this recording is even more impressive than Telarc’s recent Atlanta Symphony CD, which, though it has greater sonic amplitude (admittedly, the St. Louis recording requires a higher playback level), imparts somewhat less of that “you are there” feeling. Slatkin’s performance is superior too, as he uncannily combines Klemperer’s laser-focus with Bernstein’s visionary majesty, making for a truly moving and memorable interpretation, inspiring the St. Louis Symphony to offer one of its finest performances on disc.


Tracks:

Disc: 1
1. Part One. I. Allegro maestoso
2. Part One. II. Andante moderato
3. Part One. III. In sehr ruhig fliessender Bewegung

Disc: 2
1. Part Two. IV. ‘Urlicht:’ Sehr feierlich, aber schlicht
2. Part Two. V. Im Tempo des Scherzos – Wild herausfahrend – Allegro energico – Langsam – Misterioso

Personnel:

Conductor – Leonard Slatkin
Orchestra – Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra
Kathleen Battle - soprano
Maurine Forrester - contralto