Mahler: Symphony No. 3 (2SACDs, RCO)

The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra is steadfastly progressing with its Mahler cycle under the direction of its chief conductor Mariss Jansons. Following the releases of the First, Second, Fifth and Sixth Symphonies, the orchestra now turns its attention to the Third Symphony. Jansons and his Amsterdam-based orchestra performed the Symphonies Nos. 2, 3 and 8 in the 2009–11 seasons as part of the full, chronological series of performances given by the Concertgebouw Orchestra of Gustav Mahler’s symphonies to commemorate his 150th birthday and the 100th anniversary of his death. The series is being performed under the direction of various conductors. Jansons stands out in these performances with an astonishing ear for the minutest of details. Jansons possesses the ability to integrate all into the virtually infinite overarching climaxes that can make listening to Mahler’s symphonies such an exciting experience.