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.
Composer Gustav Mahler Conductor Valery Gergiev Performers Choir of Eltham College, Choral Arts Society of Washington, London Symphony Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra Soloists Viktoria Yastrebova, Ailish Tynan, Liudmila Dudinova, Lilli Paasikivi, Zlata Bulycheva, Sergei Semishkur, Alexey Markov, Evgeny Nikitin
Symphony No 8: Part I 1. I. Veni, Creator Spiritus
2. II. Imple Superna Gratia
3. III. Infirma Nostri Corporis
4. IV. Accende Lumen Sensibus
5. V. Veni, Creator Spiritus
6. VI. Gloria Patri Domino
Symphony No 8: Part II 7. I. Poco Adagio
8. II. Ewiger Wonnerbrand
9. III. Wie Felsenabgrund Mir Zu Füssen
10. IV. Gerettet Ist Das Edle Glied
11. V. Uns Bleibt Ein Erdenrest
12. VI. Höchste Herrscherin Der Welt!
13. VII. Dir, Der Unberührbaren
14. VIII. Bei Der Liebe, Die Den Füssen
15. IX. Neige, Neige, Du Ohnegleiche
16. X. Komm! Hebe Dich Zu Höhern Sphären!
17. XI. Blikket Auf
18. XII. Alles Vergängliche
Release Date 30 March 2009
LSO0669 | 822231166924
Producer James Mallinson Engineers Neil Hutchinson and Jonathan Stokes for Classic Sound Ltd Recorded July 2008, St Paul's Cathedral, London
A high resolution PCM recording
Booklet in English, French & German
FLAC - 24bit 96kHz - Compatible with Windows and Android devices MP3 - 320kbps - Universal compatibility SACD - Compatible with all CD players
Available on streaming services
Reviews
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‘This is a great disc, and no mistake. It is the first to which I am glad to give the “IRR Outstanding” appellation. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.’
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'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.’
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'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.’
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