ZUBIN METHA - MAHLER: Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection"

ZUBIN METHA - MAHLER: Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection" ( PJLP1001 ) (incl. download voucher)

Wiener Philharmoniker & Zubin Mehta

Ileana Cotrubas , soprano

Christa Ludwig , mezzo-soprano

Vienna State Opera

A Pro-Ject Records Exclusive-Release!

Setting the Standard in Analogue Purity

180 gram double LP in a limited edition of only 2000 copies worldwide

Remastered from the original Decca analogue tapes at the legendary Abbey Road Studios

To celebrate Zubin Mehta's 80th birthday, Decca (Universal Music) is proud to present Zubin Mehta's iconic albums, in collaboration with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Pro-Ject Audio Systems. A must-have for music lovers of the analog era, reissued on high-quality vinyl. Presented with the original sleeve, this recording has been meticulously mastered from the original Decca analog tapes at Abbey Road Studios.

This is probably Mehta's best Mahler album ever. The first movement is very dramatic. Mehta opens with a very tense and brisk tempo. Mehta never rushes, but he never drags it out. The timpani are very well defined, but not overbearing, throughout the movement, as they are throughout the album. The Andante is very well played. The phrasing is wonderful. The Scherzo begins in the best way I've ever heard. Two timpani strokes are crisp and clear. Then the next two are softer, and then the next two softer still, which gives it a stunning effect.

Then, the Urlicht. Mehta's slower tempo only adds to the heartbreaking beauty. Add to that the stunning voice of Ileana Contrubas, and you have a winning combination. All the way to the soaring finale, where Mehta truly triumphs. The timing is perfect. Mehta builds to the climaxes perfectly, never dragging. The brass sounds superb! I heard some of the lower brass in this movement that I'd never heard before in my other recordings. Truly impressive. When the choir enters, just listen to the bass singers! Spectacular. The entire choir seems like a gift from heaven. Contrubas and Ludwig sing crystal clear and beautiful. The organ is crystal clear. The combination of perfect timing, magnificent recordings, and ultra-virtuoso playing make the finale one of the most moving pieces of music you'll ever hear.

This recording has everything you could wish for. Mehta's perfect timing, the splendid collaboration of Contrubas, Ludwig, and the Vienna State Opera. The Vienna Philharmonic, especially the brass, sounds like the virtuoso ensemble they are. Get it as soon as possible.

Gustav Mahler

LP 1

Side A:

1. Allegro maestoso. Mit durchaus ernstem und feierlichem Aus-druck

2. Andante moderato. Sehr gemachlich

Side B:

3. Joke: In ruhig fliessender Bewegung

4. O Roschen rot! Der Mensch liegt in grosster Not!

LP 2

Side C:

5. Part 1: I'm Tempo Des Scherzo, Wild Herausfahrend

Side D:

5. Conclusion: Sehr Langsam Und Gedehnt

• Original label: Deutsche Grammophon