Prague Philharmonic Choir - Mahler: Symphony No. 2 in C Minor Resurrection - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

After critically-acclaimed recordings of Mahler's Fourth and Fifth Symphony, the Czech Philharmonic and Semyon Bychkov continue their Pentatone Mahler cycle with a rendition of the composer's Second, nicknamed InchThe ResurrectionInch. They are joined by soprano Christiane Karg, alto Elisabeth Kulman and the Prague Philharmonic Choir. Starting with a funeral march, passing through the introspective alto song InchUrlichtInch and ending in choral bliss and euphoria, Mahler's Second is a deeply spiritual and personal contemplation on the secret of life and the possibility of overcoming death. For Bychkov, the symphony Inchshows the life cycle in all it's struggles suffering, joy, irony, humour, love and doubt.Inch The Czech Philharmonic is one of the world's most acclaimed orchestras, with a rich tradition of performing Czech masters and music from Central Europe. Semyon Bychkov has led the greatest orchestras of the world, and is Chief Conductor and Music Director of the Czech Philharmonic as of the 2018/2019 season. Orchestra and maestro released recordings of Mahler's Fourth and Fifth Symphony (both 2022) on Pentatone, kicking off a complete Mahler cycle. Elisabeth Kulman has participated on several Pentatone releases, while Christiane Karg makes her Pentatone debut.

The Swedish pianist Niklas Sivelöv (b. 1968, Stockholm) joins the ranks and continues the great tradition of the pianist-composer with this first-ever recording dedicated to his own compositions. His 24 Preludes, written 2010-14, takes it's place in the tradition established by Chopin, Scriabin and Shostakovich. This recording presents some of Mr. Sivelöv's early work and some of his most recent, completed earlier in 2015, with music colored by a range of influences, from Bach to jazz. The composer supplies the booklet essay himself, explaining what he was trying to achieve in each piece.

The Vienna live recording from 1948 not only captures a performance of superlatives, but also a moment of historical and emotional significance. The war-torn city became the setting for an artistic statement of hope and renewal. Walter's conducting and the excellent performers make this performance a definitive interpretation of Mahler's vision.