Gustav Mahler - Symphony No. 2 'Resurrection' (Donald Runnicles)

Information

Composer: Gustav Mahler

• Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, "Resurrection"

Jennifer Davis, soprano

Karen Cargill, mezzo-soprano

Edinburgh Festival Chorus

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

Donald Runnicles, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Onyx Classics

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Composed over six years, Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 originated in 1888 as the symphonic poem Totenfeier, depicting the funeral march of the hero from his First Symphony. Mahler expanded the work into a five-movement masterpiece, completing it in 1894. The symphony integrates texts from Des Knaben Wunderhorn alongside an apocalyptic choral finale based on Klopstock's hymn, culminating in a triumphant affirmation of resurrection with full orchestra, chorus, soloist, and organ. Recorded live at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on March 1, 2026, this landmark performance captures the monumental emotional depth and shattering spiritual impact of Mahler’s monumental creation.

Donald Runnicles (born 1954 in Edinburgh) is an acclaimed Scottish conductor renowned for his interpretations of Romantic and post-Romantic symphonic and operatic repertoire. Educated at Cambridge and the London Opera Centre, his 45-year career encompasses major artistic leadership roles, including General Music Director of the Deutsche Oper Berlin, Chief Conductor of the Dresden Philharmonic, and principal positions with San Francisco Opera, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, and Sydney Symphony. A prolific recording artist with Gramophone and Grammy recognition, he maintains a prominent global presence through guest appearances, international opera productions, and tours with leading orchestras worldwide.