Mahler: Symphony No. 5 (Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Mariss Jansons) (SACD, RCO)

Practically on the 120th anniversary of the first performance on 3 November 1888, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra releases a new episode in Mariss Jansons’ Mahler cycle: the majestic Symphony No. 5. The history of this world class orchestra and the composer are closely interwined. It was Willem Mengelberg, Chief Conductor from 1895 to 1945, a close compatriot and fierce champion of Mahler’s music, running strongly against European and American public taste and critical disdain, who championed Mahler’s music with his Amsterdam orchestra and this music has remained on their music stands ever since. Mahler with the RCO is always like coming home. In this recording Jansons underscores more than ever the Fifth’s narrative, poetic side. A valuable addition to the RCO’s extensive Mahler-discography.