Gustav Mahler: Symphonies Nos. 2, 4, 7 & 9 – Philharmonia Orchestra & Otto Klemperer

For much of his life, Otto Klemperer carried a note from his hero Gustav Mahler, in which the composer praised the young Klemperer as “an outstanding musician […] predestined for the career of a conductor”. Klemperer’s interpretations of Mahler’s works, famous for their “big contours” and “rocking rhythms” (Musical Times), became world-famous. This collection features Klemperer’s Mahler, including works such as the Ninth Symphony and Das Lied von der Erde.

Reviews

“An overwhelming performance with excellent soloists, choir and orchestra. The recording brings out the immense detail of this enormous score in an admirable way.” (Gramophone on Symphony No. 2)

“A phenomenal performance.” (stereo on Symphony No. 9)

“Mahler’s realization of the transience of all earthly things has seldom been captured and rendered as compellingly as Otto Klemperer in this recording, which is considered to be one of the record’s glories.” (Audio of “Das Lied von der Erde”)