Mahler originally planned his Eighth Symphony as a four-movement work, including a movement called 'Scherzo: Christmas games with the Christ Child'.
Composition History
Mahler claimed to have composed the entire Eighth Symphony in eight weeks, though some themes existed before this period.
Recording & Production
This recording of Mahler's Symphony No. 8 was made live at St Paul's Cathedral, London, in July 2008.
Performer Biography
Valery Gergiev, the conductor of this recording, is the Principal Conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra and has toured with the Mariinsky Theatre (formerly Kirov Opera) in 45 countries.
Notable Performances
The Eighth Symphony was first performed in 1910, just eight months before Mahler's death, and was dubbed the 'Symphony of a Thousand' due to the number of performers.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Mahler considered his Eighth Symphony 'a gift to the whole nation' and saw his natural writing style as 'Bach-like'.
Composer Biography
Gustav Mahler dedicated his Eighth Symphony to his wife Alma during a difficult period in their marriage.
