Mahler: Symphony No. 5 in C sharp minor

Practically on the 120th anniversary of the first performance on 3 November 1888, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra releases a new episode in Mariss Jansons' Mahler cycle: the majestic Symphony No. 5. The history of this world class orchestra and the composer are closely interwined. It was Willem Mengelberg, Chief Conductor from 1895 to 1945, a close compatriot and fierce champion of Mahler's music, running strongly against European and American public taste and critical disdain, who championed Mahler's music with his Amsterdam orchestra and this music has remained on their music stands ever since. Mahler with the RCO is always like coming home. In this recording Jansons underscores more than ever the Fifth's narrative, poetic side. A valuable addition to the RCO's extensive Mahler-discography.

CONCERT REVIEWS [CARNEGIE HALL]:

"With the finale, Jansons drew a huge contrast with the restlessness of the second and third movements, lending a sense of coherence and showcasing the stunning technical control of individual players and sections. The movement took on the guise of a 'concerto for orchestra abetted by Jansons's extraordinary control of balances and dynamics. The glorious coda elicited warm sound from the brass evoking sanguine joy rather than manic energy." Classical Source

"Most likely, this orchestra has played Mahler's Fifth Symphony scores-perhaps hundreds-of times over its history, and has recorded highly regarded versions under the batons of Bernard Haitink and Riccardo Chailly. Jansons offered a sumptuous take, starting with a sizzling opening making way for some implacable wind sonorities, and some equally impressive percussion effects notable for their softness… Throughout, the Concertgebouw's musicians seemed fearless, and for their bravery the audience awarded them and Jansons five curtain calls. It's hard to imagine what kind of encore could have followed such a performance, so wisely Jansons offered none. I doubt anyone felt deprived." Musicweb

This is the fifth release in David Zinman & Tonhalle Zurich’s Mahler Symphony cycle, which is set to be complete by 2010.

Having completed several cycles, among them the complete Beethoven symphonies (with over 1 million copies sold internationally), the orchestral works of R. Strauss and Schumann, in 2007 the orchestra embarked on this Mahler Symphony cycle.