Symphony No 5

"This is a magnificent performance in every respect. The orchestral playing is consistently of the highest quality, individually and collectively, the musicians clearly inspired by the insight and total conviction of their conductor. No one can afford to ignore this record" International Record Review (UK)

The penultimate release in Valery Gergiev's acclaimed Mahler cycle features the composer's Symphony No 5, recorded at the Barbican in September 2010.

Mahler's Fifth Symphony marked a new direction in his compositions and a step away from the choral elements of the previous three symphonies. Despite the opening funereal trumpet solo and march, the work was completed during one of the happiest periods of Mahler's life, and the symphony showcases virtuosic orchestral playing, an exquisite love song without words for his wife Alma, and a jubilant finale.

Gergiev's recent releases on LSO Live include an acclaimed disc of works by Ravel. Forthcoming titles include music by Debussy, as well as Strauss's Elektra.

Other recent releases on LSO Live include two recordings from Sir Colin Davis. Verdi's Otello featuring Simon O'Neill and Gerald Finley was an Editor's Choice in Gramophone and Nielsen's Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5 marks the first release in Sir Colin's eagerly anticipated cycle of the composer's symphonies.