When it comes to Mahler, I would recommend Leonard Bernstein.
Lenny was great. Politically a crazy leftist, but musically he was absolutely wonderful - a treasure.
I saw the Mahler 2nd live only once. It was conducted by Lenny pupil, Carl St.Clair. He observed a three minute break between the first and second movements, partially following Mahler’s recommend five minutes.
I tend to agree. I just received today Lenny's recording of Mahler 9 with the BPO, which is the one LB Mahler recording !'ve never heard. I think I like his 60s recording of Mahler 2 with the NY Phil is the best, but the later live one on DG is also great (with better soloists).