I am a music major at a big ten school in the mid west and I can easily say that this is the best version of Mahler's 2nd symphony that I have ever heard. The intonation and rhythms are dead on and I was deeply moved by the superb and climactic ending. The low brass plays with a rich, bold, and dark sonorous tone while the woodwinds and strings play with clarity, meekness, and much emotion. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is definitely a world class leader of symphony orchestras and they most certainly delivered in this Mahler piece. It doesn't matter if you are a music major or just an average joe, when you listen to Mahler's 2nd by the CBSO, you will be moved. If not, you must not have a pulse.