On 14 March Alpha Classics releases Paavo Järvi and the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich’s new recording of Mahler Symphony No.5, marking the start of a project that has been years in the making. Long admired for his powerfully intimate interpretation of Mahler’s symphonies, Paavo Järvi waited for the right moment to record the complete cycle – both in his own musical journey as well as in his collaboration with the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich.
Since 2019, their recordings for Alpha Classics have been awarded and praised for both their clarity and emotional depth. Now, with this symphony, recorded live in concert, they take the first step in exploring Mahler’s world on a very personal level.
“For me, Mahler summarises the entire history of music that came before him.” says Paavo Järvi “After a performance of Mahler’s music, I always have the feeling that there could be another step forward, that another level could be explored – this feeling has been with me for 15 years. And now, with the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, I have musicians by my side who can really take that step. They understand this kind of depth and virtuosity and have the agogic understanding to come close to Mahler’s inner world.”
Paavo Järvi and the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich launched the Mahler cycle in February 2024 with performances of Symphony 5, recorded live at the Tonhalle Zürich. The release this Spring coincides with a European tour taking them to the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg (15 & 16 March), Philharmonie de Paris (18 March), Alte Oper Frankfurt (19 March), Kölner Philharmonie (21 March) and Philharmonie Essen (22 March).
Listen to Paavo Järvi talk about the Mahler cycle on the Tonhalle- Orchester Zürich Podcast.