Philadelphia Orchestra - Yannick Conducts Mahler's Symphony No 7

Gustav And Alma

In a showcase of the works of the Mahlers, Yannick Nezet-Seguin conducts Gustav Mahler's dramatic seventh symphony as well as a selection of the elusive yet wonderful compositions by his wife, Alma Mahler, featuring mezzo-soprano soloist Karen Cargill.

Arguably the most orchestrally innovative of Gustav's works, the Seventh Symphony boasts a complex tonal structure and nocturne-like arrangement that has earned it the nickname Song Of The Night. Mahler's unconventional arrangement techniques pushes instruments to extremes, from the inclusion of mandolin and guitar in its fourth movement to the piercing extremes of the solo trumpet and violins at the very top of their upper register. 

Alma Mahler (born Schindler) became Gustav's wife in her early twenties, at a time when she was beginning to receive acclaim as a talented emerging composer. Unfortunately, at the request of Gustav, she put her career behind her to assume the duties of a full-time wife, but as the years rolled on she became increasingly frustrated at her lack of freedom to explore her creativity. Thankfully Gustav eventually caved, not only finally granting her the freedom to compose but also using his influence to arrange for her works to be published.