Mahler: Symphony 2

The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra is steadfastly progressing with its Mahler cycle under the direction of its chief conductor Mariss Jansons. Following its releases of the First, Fifth and Sixth Symphonies, the orchestra now turns its attention to the Second and Third Symphonies.

Mariss Jansons and his Amsterdam-based orchestra performed the Symphonies Nos. 2 and 3 in the 2009–10 season as part of the full, chronological series of performances given by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Gustav Mahler’s symphonies to commemorate his 150th birthday and the 100th anniversary of his death. The series is being performed under the direction of various conductors during the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons.

Once again, Jansons stands out in these performances with his astonishingly keen eye for the minutest details. Like no other, Jansons possesses the ability to integrate all this beautiful detailing into the virtually infinite overarching climaxes that can make listening to Mahler’s symphonies such an exciting experience.

Recorded Live at Concertgebouw Amsterdam on 3, 4, 6 December 2009.