MAHLER

 

Symphony No. 5 in C sharp minor

 

1. Trauermarsch. In gemessenem Schritt. Streng. Wie ein Kondukt

2. Stürmisch bewegt. Mit größter Vehemenz

3. Scherzo. Kräftig, nicht zu schnell

4. Adagietto. Sehr langsam

5. Rondo-Finale. Allegro - Allegro giocoso. Frisch

 

William Caballero (horn)

George Vosburgh (trumpet)

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra & Manfred Honeck

 

This new 2 channel hybrid SACD of the 5th Symphony is the fourth release in a cycle of recordings of Mahler’s symphonies from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and its highly regarded conductor Manfred Honeck. The previous three have featured Symphonies No. 1(EXCL00026), No. 4 (EXCL00048), and No. 3 (EXCL000450). The last and most recent of these was picked as a Gramophone “Editor's Choice” in November 2011.

 

Considered to be one of the best modern day interpreters of Gustav Mahler’s music, the Austrian musical director Manfred Honeck began his career as conductor of Vienna's Jeunesse Orchestra, which he co-founded. He went on to become assistant to Claudio Abbado with the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra in Vienna. After several highly successful guest appearances as conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra he was appointed its Director of Music in 2008. Honeck conducted the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in a thrilling, acclaimed performance of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony at last year’s BBC Proms.

The Symphony No. 5 in C sharp minor was composed in 1901 and 1902, mostly during the summer months at Mahler's cottage at Maiernigg. Among its most distinctive features are the funereal trumpet solo that opens the work and the frequently performed Adagietto, which was famously used in the film ‘Death in Venice’.

 

Rave reviews for BBC Proms performance of Mahler’s Symphony No 5:

“…had the kind of blazing authority that made one’s jaw drop” – Daily Telegraph

“When it was time for Mahler’s Fifth Symphony, the orchestra - and Honeck - were on top form. These players can certainly do dynamic control and the subtlest of ensemble, as they confirmed in the symphony’s lightly suspended love-song of an adagietto. But they can also let rip when Honeck lets them.” – The Times

 

Critical acclaim for Manfred Honeck’s recording of Mahler’s Symphony No 3:

“Honeck’s exceptional account, magnificently played and nobly conceived, now takes a place of honour alongside them [Bernstein and Tennstedt]” – International Record

 

 “The orchestral playing is pretty tremendous throughout but especially in this first movement, where the Pittsburgh brass are mighty indeed.” – Gramophone

(Gramophone ‘Choice’)

 

Exton SACD OVCL00460