From ferocious forces of raw, physical nature in the opening movement, ascending through plants, flowers, animals, birds, mankind, and ending in the last movement with the spiritual aspects of life and the universal presence of God, this magnificent symphony embarks on a long journey to demonstrate that without balance life would not exist, and through his genius, Mahler infused this work with it's own life affirming force and created a balanced universe in music.

Bernard Haitink has performed and recorded this symphony many times during his career and knows every detail intimately. As soon as the symphony begins with it's dark, menacing and foreboding fanfare of brass and percussion, he already has the radiant and transcendent final chords of the final movement in his sights, and therefore, from start to finish, his interpretation is the only one that re-creates Mahler's vast vision of life in both minute details and as a complete entity. His firm grasp of the direction and intent of the last movement is brilliant in this performance.

This live recording from October 2006 released on the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's own new label, demonstrates that this orchestra is still one of the best in the world and the recorded sound has plenty of immediacy and impact, and a natural sound stage and acoustic. This first release on this label is an encouraging display of great things to come. Bravo!

Jean-Yves Duperron