Excellent choices above notwithstanding, I recommend the following exceptional performances:
- Horenstein / LSO from 1959
It is an exciting performance, intensive, and keeps you focused throughout. Part 2 begins in a measured manner and builds up dramatically. I also like the tempo in Part 1 - it helps create a continuity throughout the piece. Note the mood created by the childrens’ choir...
Reissued in BBC legends, the sound is OK, I’d call it well above average.
- Mitropoulos / Vienna Philharmonic - Choir, etc / LIVE, Salzburg festival (1960)
Long story short, part II is an emotional powerhouse. Not a reviewer, so I cannot wax lyrical about it; you need to listen to it.
The sound is mediocre -- but, that’s all we have, so we have to live with it.
Reissued on Orfeo
Regards