Plenty of Perspiration

There are two Classical Music recording series' I enjoy very much.

Probably more than two really... One is certainly Australian Eloquence and the other is Decca Legends / Decca Originals.

Both labels have really put into spotlight recordings of note, usually accompanied by some sort of remastering.

In this case, we have a rather well-loved recording from Decca Legends.

Zubin Mehta didn't turn out to be a particularly interesting orchestral leader later in life, and the Vienna Philharmonic are renowned for 'doing their own thing', depending on the maestro in front of them.

Well, on this occasion, February 1975 turned out to be an electric occasion for all involved. This recording is noted for its palpable energy, so if you enjoy that view of Mahler's Symphony no. 2, this is a top recommendation.

Of course, there are a few niggling angles from my ear. Vienna has a very refined sound, so, with the exception of the brass in some highly charged moments, the orchestra rarely unruffles their feathers, particularly in the inner movements which could be more characterful or rustic. Beautiful and exciting, though!

The infamous moment, though, is when Mehta eschews the grand pause just before the chorus enters in the finale. Instead of pausing, the performers go from the instrumental portion, and without missing a beat, directly to the a cappella choir entrance. This aspect bothers many folk, but it really doesn't affect me. I figure I can pause the recording myself, or rip my recording and add a pause into the recording itself. Silliness, really...

I didn't even mention the soloists in my review below, but having the greats, Ileana Cotrubaș and Christa Ludwig, on hand is divine. Of course, Ludwig recorded this same symphony with Leonard Bernstein and James Levine later in the 80s, and was a wonderful singer of Mahler Lieder.

Regardless, this is a fine achievement, and perhaps this conductor's best Mahler altogether. I might have liked a slightly rougher edge to the Viennese orchestral sound in some places, but it is merely me finding insignificant details to harp on.

A review from 2024

This 1975 recording of Mahler’s Symphony 2 of Zubin Mehta with the Vienna Philharmonic is rightly hailed. The performance caught Mehta in an rather energetic mood, and Vienna is on board with his mood 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 musically integrating this idea throughout the whole work compared to the earlier symphony, but both symphonies 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 in the fish Scherzo, where the clarinet could use some edginess. Also, Mehta starts the chorus immediately at the instrumental’s end without pause, but that could be fixed easily by the listener.

 

Otherwise, the 2000s Decca Legends sound is very good and if you like an exciting ride, this will get you to your destination with plenty of perspiration.

Listen on YouTube

 

Works
Symphony 2 in C minor 'Resurrection'

  I. 21.03
 II. 10.12
III. 10.28
IV. 5.30
 V. 33.57

Soloists
Ileana Cotrubaș, soprano
Christa Ludwig, contralto

Ensembles
Vienna State Opera Chorus
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Zubin Mehta, conductor

Label: Decca
Year: 1975 / 2000
Total Timing: 81.11

 

 

I really like Mahler's 2nd Symphony anyways, so it makes it all the more enjoyable to visit this Legends 1975 performance from Vienna and Mehta.

I still have other recordings which give me other musical aspects missing here, but that doesn't really take away from this notable event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find more Mahler recordings HERE!