This 1975 recording of Mahler’s Symphony 2 with Zubin Mehta and the Vienna Philharmonic is rightly hailed. The performance caught Mehta in an rather energetic mood, and Vienna is on board to create an electric atmosphere. Mahler’s Second Symphony is one I enjoy very much. Like the first, there is a journey from dark to light. I think Mahler is more successful integrating his musical ideas throughout the whole work compared to the earlier symphony, but both are early masterpieces. If I have any issues at all with this recording, they are small ones. Vienna’s darkly-wooded sound world holds no hint of irony or wryness to be seen anywhere, most detrimental to the fish Scherzo, where the clarinet could use some edginess and character. Also, Mehta starts the chorus without pause at their first entrance, but that issue could be fixed easily by the listener. Otherwise, the 2000s Decca Legends sound is very good, the soloists are phenomenal, and if you like an exciting ride, this recording will get you to your destination with plenty of perspiration. Highly Recommended!

So many people write a review of their favorite recording of a favorite piece proclaiming it the best. This is of course normally a very subjective statement. However concerning this particular recording, although it wouldn't be impossible, it would be very difficult to argue otherwise. It seems that all too often in composers such as Mahler or Bruckner people think that to a point slower is better. With the numerous available recordings of Mahler symphony no. 2 that require two compact discs to contain them this would seem to be proof enough that this notion is true. Some might find it very surprising that a Mahler second under 84 minutes could be considered the best. Well the truth is that most of those two disc versions are at least by turns too slow and ponderous lacking energy and forward momentum in too many passages. Cohesiveness of structure and maintaining the attention of listeners can be sacrificed in the name of expressiveness. Phrasing can become distorted overemphasizing one phrase at the expense of others. Mahler Symphony no. 2 is already a piece that can demand very much of listeners. A relatively direct approach that does not drag definitely aids listeners who wish to appreciate it if not comprehend a piece as massive as this. This is exactly the approach taken by Zubin Mehta aided gloriously by the Vienna Philharmonic. This account is forward moving but never rushed and gently expressive and contemplative where it needs to be. If there is a flaw it is the somewhat abrupt opening of the third movement where the tympani strikes are harder than in many versions and may startle some people at first hearing. Admittedly probably before 1995 technology may not have allowed this recording to fit on a single disc with audio quality this high but this edition is spectacular sounding considering its pre-digital recording date. Unlike another single disc version Otto Klemperer's classic 1962 account which is enabled to fit on one disc due the rushing through the first movement at under 19 minutes Zubin Mehta at 21:03 does make room for a little smelling of the roses. The only real way to improve on this would be somehow to duplicate this performance, or nearly so, with a brand new recording using the latest technology in the best possible venue. This is truly a performance and recording of great power that does more justice to this piece than any other. I believe Mahler would have totally approved, whom as a conductor once told a tympanist who had just broken his stick to hit even harder.

If you think Zubin Mehta is a straightforward conductor, this disc is out to prove you wrong. While it's for good reason that Mehta is viewed by many as lacking consistent interest and new ideas, here he achieves a high level of inspiration. Aided by the Vienna Philharmonic, this disc is full of some of the most gripping drama you'll ever hear. This is fiery music making, with absolutely nothing inhibiting our musicians. I'll back up the claims other reviewers have made that this recording is truly legendary. Such unrestrained passion and white heat are not everyday occurrences. From the very opening chords of the first movement, we know we're in for something extra special. The whole movement is played with such exhilarating drive with phenomenal brass and percussion that it's impossible to remain still while listening. The middle movements are all wonderful, perhaps not on the same level but very fine nonetheless. The 3rd movement is treated with much of the same fire as the opening and the 2nd and 4th are done with tantalizing beauty. Reviewers seem to be particularly pleased with Mehta in the glorious choral finale. I'll be quick to agree, especially in the face of the wonderful singing from the Vienna Choir. It's hard not to shout listening to the closing moments; chills go down my spine every time I listen to it. I'm not sure whether the first or last movement is the highlight of this recording, but for me, it's one or the other. But make no mistake: the whole symphony is done remarkably well. For some, Mehta's drive will be too much, preferring interpreters who take more time. I'm certainly wide open to the idea of more searching Mahler 2nd's, but I don't think anything could happen to cause me to lose my enthusiasm for this disc. When musicians are giving their all, it's tough to offer complaints. In closing, the disc is beyond fine, making for captivating music making. Any Mahler fan should grab this disc and it would be a great disc to introduce you to the composer if you're new to him.

La obra es espectacular. Muy intensa. Y la calidad, maravillosa.

I used to have this recording on vinyl disc - I remember it got terrific reviews and I rushed out to buy it. Having let go of my vinyl collection years ago, I have lived with the Rattle recording on CD since then (even though I hate his rather pretentious take on the last moments of the first movement). Then I looked to see if the Mehta was available on CD and there it was! Sensational sound still, wonderful playing and singing from the soloists and chorus and a really stunning interpretation by Mehta (who is not usually one of my favourites!). Simply wonderful.

メーターの若さとウィーンフィルの音色が見事に合致した1枚です。 1楽章からメーターの若さが良い方向に出ていて、音楽が淀みなく進んで行きます。 表現も豊かでマーラーの世界観が見事に出し切っています。 録音も良く、デッカならではのサウンドを感応することが出来ます。 クレンペラー、バーンスタイン盤とともにお持ちになられても、絶対に損にはならないと思います。

Omdat ik nooit een groot fan was van de Wiener Philharmoniker, noch van Zubin Mehta, had ik nooit de moeite genomen deze uitvoering eens te beluisteren. Maar onlangs deed ik dat toch via youtube en ik was verbijsterd. Speelt hier de Wiener Philharmoniker? Aan de cellisten was het te horen, want die blonken destijds uit in Wenen. Maar die excellerende koperblazers en slagwerkers, waar kwamen die dan vandaan? Het is een feit dat hier gespeeld wordt alsof het leven er van af hangt. Het is een geweldig intense, boeiende en enerverende uitvoering geworden, gepassioneerder dan welke andere dan ook. Soms wat vreemde keuzes van Mehta, maar vooral ook erg spannende en verrassende. Echt een "must hear! " De cd die ik meteen bestelde viel nog meer in de smaak: De toch al goede opname uit 1975 is via diverse technieken opgefrist en klinkt nóg helderder en schoner. Je hoort de tubular bells en het orgel prima. Het koor is fantastisch en zo ook de jonge Christa Ludwig. Deze opname laat maar heel weinig te wensen over, op enige tapeverzadiging na, maar dat kun je verwachten van een opname uit 1975. Hoewel ik al tientallen uitvoeringen van nr. 2 heb gehoord, staat deze bij mij op nr. 1. Een wonder!

Good value for money. excellent recording and the dynamic range of this cd is fantastic. Cant believe I am hearing my highend but old hifi system. No need to upgrade my system. Buy better quality recorded cd.