GUSTAV MAHLER 1860-1911
Symphony No. 5

Gustav Mahler composed his Fifth Symphony in the summers of 1901 and 1902 whilst staying at the Wörthersee in the Austrian Alps, and the influence of nature around him is unquestionable, particularly in the third movement. Elsewhere, Mahler's personal life is reflected in the themes of death, marital love and exuberant joy. Jaap van Zweden is a renowned interpreter of Mahler; in this live performance recorded in January 2008, he conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra in an outstanding, energetic reading of this powerful work.

ANTON BRUCKNER 1824-1896
Symphony No.8 in C minor

Bruckner's majestic Symphony No.8 overflows with lavish themes and rich sonorities, representing the composer at his grandest, whilst the Symphony's occasional title 'Apocalyptic' alludes to an underlying tone of solemnity. In this live BBC recording dating back to 1981, we hear the Nowak edition of the work in a triumphant interpretation by Klaus Tennstedt and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

ANTON BRUCKNER 1824-1896
Symphony No.7 in E major

The Seventh Symphony brought Bruckner to international attention, and has all the characteristic traits of a Bruckner symphony: expansive with spacious and colourful orchestral textures. In this 1984 BBC recording, Klaus Tennstedt draws on the committed forces of the London Philharmonic Orchestra to deliver a powerful and passionate performance.

ANTON BRUCKNER 1824-1896
Symphony No.4 in E flat 'Romantic'

Bruckner's fourth symphony unfolds and cascades like a mighty ocean. In this stirring performance recorded for broadcast by the BBC in 1989 at the Royal Festival Hall, the London Philharmonic Orchestra's former Principal Conductor Klaus Tennstedt finds extraordinary momentum and depth in Bruckner's powerful orchestral waters, drawing a fervent and impassioned performance from one of the world's great romantic orchestras.