Mahler: Symphony No. 2 in C minor-Eb (Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado)

As the first work that established Mahler's lifelong view of the beauty of the afterlife and resurrection, this symphony stands as the first truly Mahlerian symphony. There is a clear influence of Beethoven from his 9th symphony here - both use the choir as centerpieces in the final movement and both symphonies start in a minor key and end in a major key (although Beethoven's ends in the enharmonic major and Mahler opts for the relative major).
Abbado's rendition of this brilliant symphony with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (he recorded the symphony 2 more times) stands as one of the finest recordings, with Klemperer, Walter, etc. Every note is clean and thought out: climaxes are powerful while the sweet, playful melodies retain their charm.
NAVIGATION -
MVMT 1: 00:02
MVMT 2: 20:48
MVMT 3: 30:48
MVMT 4: 41:19
MVMT 5: 46:26
Donations are very much appreciated. Support me by donating to [e-mail] through Paypal.