Composer of the Week - Gustav Mahler - 1907-1908

Donald Macleod explores Mahler's last years, focusing on his departure from Europe to America. The composer had received invitations to conduct in the US for over 20 years, and finally accepted in 1907 before personal tragedy struck with the death of his daughter Maria from illness, heart problems of his own and difficulties in his marriage. Nevertheless, after a Viennese farewell performance of his Second Symphony (The Resurrection), Mahler set sail for New York. Symphony No 4 (1st mvt) Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Claudio Abbado (conductor) DG 447 023-2 CD 5 - Tr 1 Ablosung im Sommer; Zu Strassburg auf der Schanz (Lieder und Gesange) Stephen Genz (baritone) Roger Vignoles (piano) Hyperion CDA67392 - Trs 4, 5 Symphony No 2 (3rd, 4th mvts) Janet Baker (mezzo-soprano) London Symphony Orchestra Leonard Bernstein (conductor) Sony Classical SM2K 47 573 CD2 - Trs 2, 3 Von der Schonheit; Der Trunkene im Fruhling (Das Lied von der Erde) Kathleen Ferrier (contralto) Julius Patzak (tenor) Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Bruno Walter (conductor) Decca Legends 466 576-2 - Trs 4, 5.