Mahler Symphony No. 8 – Gewandhausorchester, Riccardo Chailly – Accentus Music DVD

UPC: 4260234830194

Product Features:

• Title: Mahler Symphony No. 8 in E-flat major ("Symphony of a Thousand")
• Composer: Gustav Mahler
• Conductor: Riccardo Chailly
• Orchestra: Gewandhausorchester Leipzig
• Soloists:Choirs: MDR Rundfunkchor, Chor der Oper Leipzig, Gewandhaus Chor, Thomanerchor Leipzig, Gewandhaus Kinderchor
  • Erika Sunnegårdh (Soprano)
  • Ricarda Merbeth (Soprano)
  • Christiane Oelze (Soprano)
  • Lioba Braun (Alto)
  • Gerhild Romberger (Alto)
  • Stephen Gould (Tenor)
  • Dietrich Henschel (Baritone)
  • Georg Zeppenfeld (Bass)
• Language: Original (German/Latin) with subtitles in English, German, French
• Region Code: 0 (Worldwide)
• Audio: PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1
• Video: NTSC, 16:9 Anamorphic
• Running Time: 92 minutes
• Release Year: 2011
• Bonus: Includes booklet with cover art by Neo Rauch

Overview

Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 in E-flat major, also known as the "Symphony of a Thousand", is one of the most grandiose and powerful works in the symphonic repertoire. It is a work of immense scale, originally performed with a thousand musicians, which earned it its nickname. This live performance from the Gewandhaus Leipzig, conducted by Riccardo Chailly, took place during the International Mahler Festival in 2011. With nearly 500 musicians on stage, including soloists, choirs, and the esteemed Gewandhausorchester, this performance was an overwhelming triumph of musical collaboration.

The symphony is divided into two parts: the first is a hymn invoking the divine creative spirit, while the second draws from Goethe’s Faust, celebrating redemption and transcendence. Chailly’s commanding presence and deep understanding of Mahler’s work make this recording a definitive interpretation of Mahler’s towering symphonic masterpiece.

Interesting Facts

• Mahler considered his Symphony No. 8 to be his "opus summum," a crowning achievement in his compositional career.
• The premiere of Symphony No. 8 in 1910 in Munich featured over 1,000 performers, which led to its famous moniker.
• The cover art for this DVD was designed by renowned Leipzig-based artist Neo Rauch, inspired by this monumental performance.
• The International Mahler Festival in Leipzig is one of the most prestigious festivals dedicated to Mahler’s works, attracting leading musicians and orchestras from around the world.
• Riccardo Chailly, who conducted this performance, is one of the foremost interpreters of Mahler’s works and served as the principal conductor of the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig from 2005 to 2016.

Publishers

• Accentus Music
• In collaboration with: MDR, ARTE

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