Mahler: Symphony No. 8 in E flat major 'Symphony of a Thousand' London Symphony Orchestra & Valery Gergiev

• Gustav Mahler (1860-1911): Part I – Hymnus: Veni, creator spiritus:
• 1 Part I, Veni, creator spiritus: Veni, creator spiritus - 01:25
• 2 Part I, Veni, creator spiritus: Imple superna gratia - 03:55
• 3 Part I, Veni, creator spiritus: Infirma nostri corporis - 06:12
• 4 Part I, Veni, creator spiritus: Accende lumen sensibus - 04:44
• 5 Part I, Veni, creator spiritus: Veni, creator spiritus - 03:47
• 6 Part I, Veni, creator spiritus: Gloria sit Patri Domino 02:47
• Part II – Final Scene from Goethe’s Faust:
• 7 Part II, Final Scene from Faust: Poco adagio - 12:30
• 8 Part II, Final Scene from Faust: Ewiger Wonnebrand - 01:34
• 9 Part II, Final Scene from Faust: Wie Felsenabgrund mir zu Fussen - 04:30
• 10 Part II, Final Scene from Faust: Gerettet ist das edle Glied - 03:08
• 11 Part II, Final Scene from Faust: Uns bleibt ein Erdenrest - 02:48
• 12 Part II, Final Scene from Faust: Hochste Herrscherin der Welt! - 04:02
• 13 Part II, Final Scene from Faust: Dir, der Unberuhrbaren - 03:37
• 14 Part II, Final Scene from Faust: Bei der Liebe, die den Fussen - 05:01
• 15 Part II, Final Scene from Faust: Neige, neige, du Ohnegleiche - 04:12
• 16 Part II, Final Scene from Faust: Komm! Hebe dich zu hohern Spharen! - 01:10
• 17 Part II, Final Scene from Faust: Blicket auf zum Retterblick, alle reuig Zarten - 06:16
• 18 Part II, Final Scene from Faust: Alles Vergangliche ist nur ein Gleichnis 05:29
• Total Runtime 01:17:07

Info for Mahler: Symphony No. 8 in E flat major 'Symphony of a Thousand'

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.

„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.“ (The Scotsman)

„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.“ (Chicago Tribune)

'two performances bringing Gergiev's Mahler cycle to a triumphant close. Gergiev caught the crucial moment of expectation to perfection. But in the end it was the shattering power of several hundred voices, an expanded orchestra and full cathedral organ that delivered the mightiest of Mahler's symphonies with the sonic splendour it demands.' (London Evening Standard)

“at once the most ambitious and the most impressive in Gergiev's variable Mahler series...The atmosphere of a great occasion is caught admirably, with the timpani and organ very impressive...A most competitive version.” (Penguin Guide)

Viktoria Yastrebova, soprano
Ailish Tynan, soprano
Ludmila Dudinova, soprano
Lilli Paasikivi, mezzo-soprano
Zlata Bulycheva, mezzo-soprano
Alexey Markov, baritone
Sergey Semishkur, tenor
Evgeny Nikitin, bass
Choir of Eltham College
Choral Arts Society of Washington
London Symphony Chorus
London Symphony Orchestra
Valery Gergiev, conductor