“Where Harnoncourt rather underplays the First Symphony, giving it a decorous Schumannesque feel, Rattle's reading is one in which the inwardness and charm of the exquisitely realised inner movements offset the breadth and lyric power of the surrounding drama. ...in the Third... we hear... exquisitely quiet string- and horn-playing - the inner movements rich in beauty and quiet foreboding... Rattle's finely moulded direction sustains the discourse.” --Gramophone Magazine, Awards Issue 2009
“Simon Rattle has clearly forged a deep bond with the Berlin Philharmonic during his tenure, and the playing is never less than superb, with every section of the orchestra ideally responsive. If any one aspect should be singled out it must be the horn-playing, both solo and as a body, which is gloriously expressive, most movingly of all throughout Symphony No. 2.” --BBC Music Magazine, October 2009 *****
“if you’re looking for Romantic depth and sheer beauty of tone, then you’ve come to the right band. In fact, there are moments where a particular theme is so achingly lovely that you almost forget to breathe” --Charlotte Gardner, bbc.co.uk, 9th September 2009
“there are no gimmicks, only an impressive fidelity to the score...In sum, a revelation, which rewards repeated listening.” --The Observer, 20th September 2009
“Rattle's account of the Second Symphony has a wonderfully relaxed good humour about it, with the Berlin Phil's fabulous horn section adding lustre to the climaxes, and a finale that positively overflows with high spirits. Much of the Third is equally fine, by turns spaciously expressive and tautly rigorous.” --The Guardian, 18th September 2009 ****
“For all-round technical and musical expertise, it is difficult to fault these mellifluous performances. Very satisfying.” --Classic FM Magazine, October 2009 ****
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