Symphony No.5

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.