Composer: Gustav Mahler
Orchestra: Hallé Orchestra
Conductor: Sir Mark Elder
Number of Discs: 2
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Hallé
Catalogue: CDHLD7541
Release: 2015
Size: 702 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: cover
Symphony No. 9
CD 01
01. I. Andante comodo
02. II. Im Tempo eines gemächlichen Ländlers. Etwas täppisch und sehr derb
CD 02
01. III. Rondo-Burleske. Allegro assai. Sehr trotzig
02. IV. Adagio. Sehr langsam und noch zurückhaltend
Sir Mark Elder and Hallé’s latest release is a live recording of the acclaimed concert performance of Mahler’s landmark symphonic work, which closed the 2014 season.
Begun in 1909 in the composer’s idyllic Austrian mountain retreat, at a time when Mahler was preoccupied by thoughts of his own mortality, his last completed symphony has been described as his most death-haunted work.
Scored for forces which are modest, by Mahlerian standards, this extended work is characterized by its unusual construction, with often soloistic orchestral writing, evocative use of keys and haunting use of motives and references to traditional Austrian folk dance.
This release is a valuable addition to the Hallé canon of great symphonies, including recent releases devoted to Vaughan Williams: Nos 5&8 CD HLL 7533 – Sunday Times Album of the Week and Music Web Recording of the Month; and No 3 CD HLL 7540 – Gramophone Editor’s Choice Feb 2015
Hallé will perform Mahler Symphony No 5 under Elder at the Bridgewater Hall on 19th March and Mahler Symphony No1 under Markus Stenz, Principal Guest Conductor, in repeated performances in Manchester and Sheffield in April.
Recorded live in concert and in rehearsal at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester 22nd May 2014. Producer and Editor Steve Portnoi; Assistant engineers Niall Gault and Dermot Gault