Theodor W. Adorno regarded Mahlers Symphony No. 9 as the first work of
modern music. Adornos teacher, Alban Berg, saw in it the expression of
a tremendous love for this world, a longing to live in peace and to
savor Nature to its depths before the arrival of Death. For it will
inevitably come. This live recording of the composers last completed
symphony is part of an ongoing Leipzig cycle of Mahlers symphonies. It
confirms once more the Gewandhaus Orchestras reputation as an exemplary
ensemble for the performance of Mahlers music. The highest level of
performance culture combined with a sharply contoured, transparent,
polished, and detailed manner of playing, plus infectious verve and an
unmistakable sound characterized by a darkly golden color these are
qualities responsible for the Gewandhaus Orchestras international
reputation. Since the time of Bruno Walter, the orchestra has developed
over the years a deep understanding of the works of Gustav Mahler,
which in their collaboration with Riccardo Chailly has been continued.
BONUS: Riccardo Chailly on Mahler 9 and Riccardo Chailly in
conversation with Henry-Louis de La Grange |