Performance on 3 - Mahler Symphony Cycle - Episode 8

Presented by Ian Skelly. Mahler from Manchester: Symphony No.8, "Symphony of a Thousand". Bringing together the combined forces of the Hallé, the BBC Philharmonic, four choirs and a first-class roster of vocal soloists, Sir Mark Elder conducts Mahler's most monumental symphony. Its epic dimensions and staggering vision, requiring a vast number of performers including blazing brass around the balconies, have earned it the reputation of a work of Olympian proportions. To quote Mahler himself: " imagine the whole universe beginning to ring and resound." The words combine the medieval hymn 'Veni, Creator Spiritus' and a setting of the final scene of the Goethe's Faust. The performance is preceded by an organ improvisation on the symphony's 'Veni, Creator Spiritus' theme by Olivier Latry, one of the foremost organists of our time. OLIVIER LATRY Improvisation on 'Veni Creator Spiritus' MAHLER Symphony No.8, Symphony of a Thousand Olivier Latry (organ) Claire Rutter (soprano) Aga Mikolaj (soprano) Anita Watson (soprano) Sarah Connolly (mezzo-soprano) Catherine Wyn-Rogers (mezzo-soprano) Peter Hoare (tenor) Gerald Finley (bass-baritone) James Creswell (bass) Hallé Choir Hallé Children's Choir Hallé Youth Choir City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus BBC Philharmonic Hallé Orchestra Sir Mark Elder (conductor) Followed by: The art of organ improvisation - Jean Langlais improvises on Veni Creator Spiritus.