Mahler's Resurrection, Gilbert Kaplan/VPO recordin


Hello, Has anyone heard the recording of Mahler's 2nd symphony with Gilbert Kaplan and the Vienna philharmonic Orchestra for Deutsche Grammophone? Some reviewers say that it's a great performance and maybe the best sounding recording of this symphony.

By the way, can somebody explain me why the CD of this recording is more expensive than the hybrid SACD (which has CD, 2 channel SACD, and multichannel SACD layers)? It doesn't make sense to me!!! Do a search by 'Gilbert Kaplan' in the following link if you don't believe me:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/573448/ref=m_mh_mn_bc/104-3997539-4124709

Thanks in advance for your comments.
jorge_err

Showing 2 responses by rcprince

I have the recording, wasn't enthralled by it the first time around, but need to listen to it again at a louder volume (as any Mahler needs) before I can really say anything definitive. Interpretively it is very similar to his first recording, though a bit more polished as Kaplan has gotten better as a conductor and the VPO is a superb orchestra. Sonically it was OK, though I felt the Delos recording with Litton and the Dallas was superior sonically in terms of sounding like what you'd hear in a live performance. I've never been a fan of DG's recording style, but in this case, given Kaplan's hands-on approach to the piece and recording, the use of multi-miking and EQ may actually serve as a benefit, if you agree with Kaplan's interpretation--you might not hear it as you would in a concert hall, but the highlighting of particular instruments may make the performance more compelling. I'm awaiting the Tilson-Thomas and Zander versions on SACD, given the quality of the earlier recordings in their cycles, they may be worthwhile.
Gaudio, that's great news! I had assumed the 5th would be next, as the SFO was touring playing that piece earlier this year. Any report on their performances of the 5th in Davies?