Mariss Jansons recorded Mahler's First Symphony with the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks back in 2007, but it was only released as part of an audio biography of the composer. Newly presented as a standalone release, this recording comes from an orchestra and conductor with exceptional Mahlerian credentials.
Featuring
Mariss Jansons
Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Gustav Mahler
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Performer Biography
The Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks (Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra), conducted by Mariss Jansons, was ranked among the top ten orchestras in the world by Gramophone magazine in 2008.
Compositional Technique
The third movement of Mahler's First Symphony is based on the popular canon 'Frère Jacques', reinterpreted in a minor key as a Mahlerian funeral march.
Performer Biography
Mariss Jansons, the conductor on this recording, was born in Riga in 1943, the son of conductor Arvīds Jansons, and studied violin, piano, and conducting.
Compositional Technique
In the finale of Mahler's First Symphony, Mahler instructs all horn players to stand up to achieve the most powerful sound possible for the 'victory chorus'.
Composition History
The premiere of Mahler's First Symphony took place in 1889 in Budapest, with Mahler himself conducting as the city's opera director.
Critical Reception
Due to a negative reception at its premiere, Mahler initially provided explanatory program notes and titled his First Symphony 'Titan' for subsequent performances, referencing a novel by Jean Paul.
Composition History
Gustav Mahler's First Symphony originally had five movements, including a second movement titled 'Blumine', which he later removed in 1896.
