This recording was made live at the Concertgebouw Amsterdam between September 28-30, 2016, using Neumann and Schoeps microphones with Polyhymnia custom electronics.
Critical Reception
Theodor Adorno, a music philosopher, noted that the final movement of Mahler's Seventh Symphony "embarrassed" even his most devoted fans.
Notable Performances
Gustav Mahler himself conducted the premiere of his Seventh Symphony in Prague on September 19, 1908, after approximately twenty rehearsals, with young musicians like Alban Berg in attendance.
Compositional Technique
The second 'Nachtmusik' movement of Mahler's Seventh Symphony features a mandolin, guitar, and solo violin, contributing to its serenade-like character.
Performer Biography
Mariss Jansons, the conductor on this recording, was chief conductor of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam from 2004 to 2015 and has led many of the world's top orchestras.
Composition History
Gustav Mahler composed his Symphony No. 7 in two stages, with the two 'Nachtmusik' movements dating from 1904 and the other three movements completed in a four-week "fit" in 1905.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Gustav Mahler considered his Seventh Symphony his "best work, largely upbeat in character" and hoped its cheerful disposition and relatively small orchestral setting would make it popular in concert halls.
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