Mahler: Symphony #9:
Sir Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra’s latest CD is a live recording of the acclaimed concert performance of Mahler’s landmark symphonic work, which closed the orchestra’s 2014 season.
Begun in 1909 at the composer’s beautiful 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.
Gustav Mahler was also superstitious, so the notion of a ninth symphony was always reminiscent of Beethoven’s last symphony.
Scored for a modestly-sized orchestra, this extended work is characterized by its unusual construction, with often soloistic orchestral writing, as well as haunting use of melodic references to traditional Austrian folk dances.
Here is music from the Mahler Symphony No. 9, as played by the Hallé Orchestra:
And next, let’s listen to a full video/audio of the Mahler Symphony No.9 (1st movement) performed by the Hallé at The Bridgewater Hall on 22nd May 2014:
Amazing music, isn’t it?
Tags: Gustav Mahler, Symphony #9, Halle Orchestra, Mark Elder
