Of course, unlike Kaplan, Beecham conducted many complete works - not just one.
It was a quick reply on my iPad. I hate typing on this thing. No, Kaplan was no Beechum, and was not really comparable to conductors who conducted many works; but he did study conducting so he could do the Mahler 2. IMO the great conductors really shape the music and make the listening experience unique. It's why I have so many versions of all Mahler's symphonies. However, Kaplan did do well on both his recordings IMO. His VPO version was the first recording of the final revised score. Kaplan would not be my first choice in the work, but he did well under the circumstances. I do like the VPO SACD for the sonics and the playing of the VPO.