Mariss Jansons conducts

Gustav Mahler’s gigantic “Symphony No. 2” in C minor usually fills out a concert on its own. But in this recording with the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks (Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra) under its principal conductor Mariss Jansons, the work is introduced by an exquisite – and fitting – choral work: A contemporary (1982) 16-voice arrangement of a song by Mahler, “Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen”, based on a poem by Friedrich Rückert and originally composed for voice and orchestra in 1901 – performed here by the superb Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks (Bavarian Radio Choir). The nickname “Resurrection” for Mahler’s “Second Symphony” is derived from the closing chorus of the last movement, in which Mahler set to music verses from Klopstock’s “Messias”. Although the symphony is a challenge to perform, due to the length of the work as well as the exceptionally large musical scoring, it has become part of the standard repertoire. The “Second Symphony” is a central work in Mahler’s oeuvre, a work whose Munich performance of 1900 brought him the long hoped-for recognition as composer.