Mahler: Symphony No. 1 [Gewandhausorchester Leipzig; Riccardo Chailly]

Most classical music guides write that Gustav Mahler’s symphonies all originate from and are inspired by the impressive backdrop of the Alps. All except one: the First. Mahler wrote his first symphony in the springtime of 1888 in Leipzig, close to the Rosental, where the then 28 year-old had moved into an apartment. Riccardo Chailly and the Gewandhausorchester bring the first symphony, the (former) “Titan” to life in a riveting performance, paying hommage to the composer and to “their” city, in which this wonderful symphony was written.