With nine new recordings of Mahler’s epic Resurrection Symphony this year alone, which rises above the rest?

Apocalyptic visions: The London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano with Maria Bengtsson soprano and Noa Beinart contralto perform Mahler’s Symphony No 2, ‘Resurrection’ in the Barbican Hall, London on 18 October 2026. Photograph: Mark Allan

Is it something in the water? Or is it simply that triumph over adversity sells in today’s uncertain world? Whatever the reason, Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony has already received four major UK performances this year: a season finale for the BBC Philharmonic in Manchester, a season opener for both the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra, and an 80th season celebratory concert for the Philharmonia Orchestra in London. Next month the London City Orchestra perform it in Croydon’s Fairfield Halls.

On disc, the field of Mahler 2s is even more crowded. Apple Music Classical currently throws up 222 listings; Presto Music’s search engine returns 260 results, many of them complete recordings to download or buy on CD or vinyl (some of these, of course, are reissues of recognised classic accounts).