Mahler: Symphony No. 2, Haitink

“Portamento strings and raw yet refined brass timbre, especially, create vivid intensity. The fine soloists and beautifully blended, almost transcendentally pianissimo chorus are a bonus.” — The Observer

Former CSO principal conductor Bernard Haitink leads a moving and noble performance of Mahler’s immense Second Symphony, continuing his and the orchestra’s successful exploration of Mahler’s symphonies. The legendary CSO brass are at their finest, with stellar solos and ensemble playing from the woodwinds, strings and percussion. The Chicago Symphony Chorus sounds glorious in Mahler’s triumphant finale, singing with a sumptuous sound and immaculate diction.

Mahler Symphony No. 2 in C Minor (Resurrection)
Miah Persson soprano
Christianne Stotjin mezzo-soprano
Chicago Symphony Chorus
Duain Wolfe director
2009, Orchestra Hall, Chicago

Discs: 2
Record Label: CSO Resound
Release Date: November 30, 2009

Digital Download Audio Quality: MP3, 320kbps