Symphony No.2 (SACD)

This is the fourth in the Hanssler series of live recordings of the Mahler symphonies, and in it they try as hard as ever to recreate the sound world which Mahler might have expected.

Of course the most striking features of this strategy are the 'German seating' (with violins opposite each other and basses across the back of the orchestra) and the 'Pure Tone' normal with all orchestras until the 1920s. Pure tone offers unanimty of sound, transparency, telling harmonies and the possibility of far more engaged phrasing and dynamics.

"Nothing is left to chance, or to the whim of the conductor.... I am constantly struck by the vital importance of following Mahler's score to the letter"... Sir Roger Norrington.