Mahler, Gustav - Symphony No. 8 - Gergiev, Valery (conductor)

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4 AV 5 MÖJLIGA I BETYG I DAGENS NYHETER

Valery Gergiev, conductor
Viktoria Yastrebova, soprano
Ailish Tynan, soprano
Lyudmila Dudinova, soprano
Lilli Paasikivi, mezzo-soprano
Zlata Bulycheva, mezzo-soprano
Sergey Semishkur, tenor
Alexey Markov, baritone
Evgeny Nikitin, bass

London Symphony Chorus
The Choral Arts Society of Washington
The Choir of Eltham College
London Symphony Orchestra

Mahler's monumental Eighth Symphony is, unusually for a symphony, structured in two-parts. Part I's exuberant hymn of praise to the creator spirit precedes a reading of the Final Scene from Goethe's Faust, portraying "Faust's redemption through wisdom and love". The use of choirs throughout the work, combined with the colossal forces of eight soloists, off-stage brass, and an expanded orchestra, make this a work of epic proportions.

CD Reviews
Outstanding Recording
International Record Review

'magnetic and compelling ... Brilliantly and subtly animated choral singing injects a sense of bleak mystery and awe. It's the kind of performance you instantly wish you had witnessed, but this vivid and momentous recording takes you 99 per cent of the way there'
The Scotsman

'Mahler's mightiest symphony, with its huge orchestral forces and massive choral utterances, emerges with all the overwhelming sonic power the score demands ... its potent blend of spirituality and theatricality makes it a powerful contender for top honors amid a crowded field'
Chicago Tribune, USA