Gewandhausorchester Leipzig & Riccardo Chailly
/ 2011 / … From the Gewandhaus concert hall, Leipzig,
Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, known as the “Resurrection,” is one of the most monumental works in the symphonic repertoire. This performance at the Gewandhaus zu Leipzig marked the centenary of the composer’s death. Conducted by Riccardo Chailly, the interpretation draws on the orchestra’s long tradition of Mahler performances. The work explores existential questions of life, death, and spiritual rebirth on a massive scale. The inclusion of the Rundfunkchor Berlin and other vocal forces creates a profound emotional impact in the final movement. Critical reception of the concert praised Chailly’s meticulous control and the orchestra’s powerful execution. The Gewandhaus, where Mahler himself once worked, provides a historic and acoustically perfect setting for this scale. Musically, the symphony’s impact lies in its revolutionary use of vocal and orchestral textures. The dramaturgy of the evening follows a trajectory from a tragic funeral march to the glorious light of the resurrection.
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To mark the centenary of Mahler´s death, Chailly and his orchestra performed the monumental Second Symphony in the Gewandhaus at Leipzig´s International Mahler Festival together with two marvellous soloists and unparalleled choral forces. Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 2 in C minor (Resurrection) Riccardo Chailly (Conductor) Gewandhausorchester MDR Radio Choir Berlin Radio Choir Gewandhaus Choir Soloists: Christiane Oelze (Soprano), Sarah Connolly (Mezzo-Soprano) © 2011, Accentus Music