Basel Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Markus Poschner. Gustav Mahler - CD Review, August 30^th 2026

Gustav Mahler - Symphony No. 2 ''The Resurrection'' (Leipzig Radio Choir; soloists - contralto Wiebke Lehmkuhl and soprano Nikola Hillebrand).

Album released on July 17^th

This is the first recording in a collection dedicated by the Basel Symphony Orchestra to the symphonies composed by Gustav Mahler. Led by Markus Poschner, a musician who has held the position of chief conductor of the prestigious Swiss orchestra since 2025.

The album features Symphony No. 2, ''The Resurrection'', which received its premiere in Berlin in 1895, conducted by the composer himself. In an interview, Markus Poschner explains: "This symphony is predestined to open our recording collection. Mahler's Symphony No. 2 is one of the most overwhelming works in the entire classical repertoire, an extremely demanding composition for all performers. More than any other, Mahler's music calls for total commitment from both the performer and the listener." In his interpretation, Poschner emphasizes the profoundly spiritual and philosophical nature of this composition, Gustav Mahler's first major work, which reflects his vision of the afterlife and the Resurrection.

In 1894, the death of the great conductor Hans von Bülow deeply affected Gustav Mahler. At his funeral, Mahler heard a musical setting of Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock's poem ''The Resurrection'', which inspired him. The Austrian composer used the first two stanzas of this hymn and added verses of his own, addressing Salvation, Resurrection and the immortality of the human soul. Mahler completed the final movement and revised the orchestration of the first movement, Allegro maestoso, in 1894. He subsequently incorporated the song Urlicht (Primeval Light) into the penultimate movement, a solemn, simple and uplifting piece of music. Mahler's Symphony No. 2 is structured in five movements: the first three are orchestral, while the fourth and fifth feature soprano and mezzo-soprano solos, with the mixed choir also joining in the final movement.

The soloists featured in this recording are contralto Wiebke Lehmkuhl and soprano Nikola Hillebrand, accompanied by the Basel Symphony Orchestra, with the participation of the Leipzig Radio Choir.