I prefer the set by NZSO/Hopkins on Continuum. This is the one where
Hopkins conducts all three, not an earlier CD where he only conducts two
of the symphonies. The sound is richer and fuller than the Naxos and
the conducting in 2 broader and more visionary. The final movement of
2 is especially fine with long arching phrases. I am a NZer and can
vouch that 2 does remind me very much of NZ. It is a beautiful CD.
Kind regards,
David Harbin
Nottingham,UK