Songs and orchestra are integral to Mahler’s output with perhaps their greatest synthesis being in Das Lied von der Erde – a work which the composer had described as a symphony for orchestra and two vocal soloists. It was probably the first work by Mahler to find a receptive audience with pioneering recordings by Walter, Klemperer and Bernstein featuring soloists  such as Ferrier, Baker, Wunderlich and Fischer-Dieskau.

In his latest recording, Rattle is paired with the fine Bavarian Radio Symphony which brings an intimate chamber-like approach to aid his alto soloist here, Magdalena Kožená. Kožená may not have the gravitas and maternal quality that is often associated with the best alto interpreters in this...