For Gustav Mahler, composing his early symphonies meant “building a world”. His Ninth, however, seems more concerned with the deconstruction of this world – a look back, and a long farewell.
In the draft of his score, he noted words like “O youth! Vanished! O love! Blown away! “. In 1909, his idyllic world was destroyed, having lost a daughter, and having been diagnosed with a heart valve defect two years earlier – a disease that would ultimately lead to his death.
While his last completed symphony still contains some folk music elements, Mahler composed a heartbreaking Adagio as its Finale.
Herbert Blomstedt, Honorary Conductor of the Bamberger Symphoniker, guides the orchestra through this rollercoaster of emotions, ranging between deep sadness, comfort and melancholic feelings. This exceptional recording is the first album release with the Bamberger Symphoniker and their honorary conductor Herbert Blomstedt.
Here is Mr. Blomstedt in the 4th movement of the Mahler 9th:
