Transformational
This is a longish performance of Mahler's second, and, frankly, there are a couple of spots where the musicians are noticeably imperfect. Rather than diminish the effect, however, I think increase it: this is a very, very emotional recording. It is astounding, actually. When I first listened to it, I couldn't help turning the volume up so high it spilled out of my headphones and made my wife shake her head at me and leave the room. But the finale is so powerful that I honestly wanted to stand up and cheer along with the audience. I wanted it loud so I could block out everything but the music--and the recording is so pure I could well imagine it. It is a steal at $12, because for that price it might transform you whole life. It really is that good.
