'Right from the start, with those dark, dragging rhythms, there’s a sense that something special is afoot here ... Gergiev charts the whole labyrinthine course with thrilling assurance [whilst] the virtuosity and sensitivity of the London Symphony Orchestra – in solo or ensemble writing, or in rich tuttis – is a continual exhilarating delight.'

‘This is a terrific, gripping performance from Gergiev and the LSO of Mahler’s Seventh Symphony, an edge-of-the-seat experience. [Gergiev] brings an almost palpable darkness, fear and mystery to the three central movements, giving an impression, in the central scherzo, of hot, tormenting laser lights darting in from all angles, and imbues the outer movements with an almost frenzied momentum.’

‘There is no denying the brilliance of sound and execution [Gergiev] obtains from the LSO. Gergiev's interpretation of this wayward and fascinating symphony is exciting ... he casts quite a spell of lush romanticism.’