Live recording of Hallé/Elder’s acclaimed concert performance of 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, 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: No.5 & 8 CD HLL 7533 – Sunday Times Album of the Week and Music Web Recording of the Month; and Symphony No.3 CD HLL 7540 – Gramophone Editor’s Choice Feb 2015.

Conductor
Sir Mark Elder

Catalogue number CD HLL 7541

Preview: https://orcd.co/qyeb8ma