Mahler Project
“The string playing is of high quality and there is good balance with the brass… Attention to dynamics is meticulous, with truly hushed pianissimo. This performance completely captures the excitement and ecstasy of this amazing musical depiction of Judgment Day. There is no shortage of outstanding recorded performances of this symphony, but room for this one should be found in Mahlerians’ collections.”
– Sunday Telegraph (London)
Mahler's Symphony No. 2
The massive Second Symphony takes the SFS and MTT into epic territory. Often called the Resurrection Symphony, this vast work begins in purgatorial terror and moves through the gamut of emotions, to a visionary choral finale in which the heavens open. In addition to the Orchestra, the SFS recording of this overwhelming work features the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian, and mezzo-soprano Lorraine Hunt Lieberson.
Press Quotes
"With quite stunning playing and a recording to match, this is a Mahler Second to conjure with. As with other performances in this series (such as the Ninth), Tilson Thomas seeks out the serenity and radiance of the scores and the SFSO, responsive to his every gesture, are the perfect partners. Lorraine Hunt Lieberson is the intense and vocally magnificent soloist in 'Urlicht.' A performance to approach the finest and a recording to trump most."
-Gramophone
"The performance is monumental, deeply considered and very moving. The San Francisco Symphony could well be currently operating at a level higher than any other American orchestra."
-Fanfare
Release Date: November 9, 2004
BIN: 821936-0006-2-5