
Mahler's Ninth Symphony
Sakari Oramo steers the ѿý Symphony Orchestra through Mahler's last completed symphony, written after the death of his daughter.
Sakari Oramo steers the ѿý Symphony Orchestra through Mahler's last completed symphony, written after the death of his daughter.
Mahler: Symphony No.9
ѿý Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo (conductor)
As Gustav Mahler began his Ninth Symphony, he was well aware of its significance. Like Beethoven, Schubert and Bruckner before him, his Ninth was to be the last he finished. The very first notes seem to falter. The composer, heartbroken after the death of his daughter, put the rhythm of his heart into the orchestra, beginning the symphony with a sigh. But that’s just the beginning, and over eighty-five minutes of music, Mahler explores every last drop of beauty, terror, and love from a life of deep emotional commitment
Music this moving needs space to breathe, and as Sakari Oramo continues his journey with the ѿý Symphony Orchestra’s Mahler cycle, it feels right to give it a concert of its own. “Triumphantly tragic” was how The Arts Desk described Oramo’s recent performance of Mahler’s Sixth Symphony; now, as the journey continues, there’s no more impactful way to start our new season.
Recorded at the Barbican Concert Hall, London, on October 4th 2025. Presented by Petroc Trelawny.
On radio
Broadcast
- Thu 16 Oct 2025 19:30ѿý Radio 3