The German-born conductor Otto Klemperer, a towering figure in the musical history of the 20th century, died at the age of 88 on July 8th 1973, so 2023 will mark the 50th anniversary of his death. His complete recordings on Warner Classics catalogue are being made available for the first time in 2 huge separate boxes; the first volume with the Symphonic Works, Concertos & Lieder (95CD) will be released in June 2023. All recordings are remastered in HD 192/24 from original sources.
One month before the release of the first box, Warner Classics are releasing on vinyl and digital HD + Dolby Atmos one of his most famous albums. The epic Symphony No. 2 brought Gustav Mahler and Otto Klemperer together in 1905, when the 20-year-old conductor took charge of the off-stage band for a performance in Berlin. Mahler, impressed, subsequently recommended him for appointments in Prague and Hamburg. In this recording Klemperer rewards the composer’s faith with an interpretation of granite-like strength, drawing magnificent performances from orchestra, chorus and soloists.
