Mahler/Chorus Mysticus/Horenstein

Jascha Horenstein conducts the London Symphony Orchestra and many vocalists in the Chorus Mysticus that concludes Mahler's Eighth Symphony. Recorded in Royal Albert Hall in London in 1959.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Classical
• Gustav
• Mahler
• Symphony
• Johann
• Wolfgang
• von
• Goethe
• Faust
• Chorus
• Mysticus
• Jascha
• Horenstein
• London
• 1959

[fledgehog]

never thought i'd find a recording that i could say this about, but this leaves both of Bernstein's recordings and Solti's in the dust. 3:37-3:51 is heart-stopping, and the following entrance of the organ and the chorus is earth-shattering...then there's 5:14 to the end...to which no words could ever do justice. brilliant conducting of a brilliantly written movement

[vinteui1]

nothing could ever quite leave Bernstein's recordings of this piece in the dust - but yes, this was a unique occasion, and JH was a unique conductor.

[billyguns2]

Horenstein's Mahler was the greatest of them all. His Third, Eighth and Ninth Symphony recordingshave never been surpassed.

[vinteui1]

To say nothing of his First with the LSO.

It's most unfortunate that he never had the chance to record the 6th and Das Lied von der Erde with first-rate forces in first-rate sound.

[garynilsson57]

Everything was so uncertain about this performance that God had to lend a helping hand to it. Its clearly heard at the endbars. It warms my heart that Jasha Horenstein and everyone involved in this fantastic performance received a 17 min applause. "God" also made sure that the whole event was recorded in brilliant stereo by the BBC, at this early stage (1959). I have heard some Mahlerrecordings and no one comes close to this Mahler 8th. Mahler smiles in his heaven.

[vinteui1]

Bernstein's VPO video comes close. But there was only one Jascha Horenstein.

[GusMahler8]

I love Beethoven and Ode to Joy, but from 5:15-5:56 is the greatest moment in Music. The more and more I listen, the more and more I realize this.

[JanaFaukner]

While I would say, that the choral parts of the ending in this recording and the one by Solti are on the same level musically and emotionally wise, it's the final orchestral climax that puts Horenstein into a upper class. I especially love the sound of the high e-flat on the violins during the last few bars - the word awesome appear as an insult to the glory of this recording.

[paulieinct]

@Shota871 

[Cespinarve]

STOP COUGHING, FOR THE LOVE OF CHRIST JUST SHUT UP!

[garyokee]

Somewhere around the 4' minute mark - I couldn't see it - the tears started streaming out of my eyes. (This - from an agnostic - )

[longeaton34]

@JanaFaukner Well, how observant you are! I completely agree about hearing the 1st violin's top Eb in the final chords. What a difference to Tennestedt, Haitinck and Rattle! We are so used to hearing the great brass notes and the cymbal crashes. The true splendour of the final Eb major chords are heard in full, here. Just wondrous.

[longeaton34]

Now there's a plagal cadence for you! The finest "Amen" you'll hear.

[EDGJZConglomerate]

This is WONDERFUL quality for the 1950s

[uranrising]

Just played the whole performance on the 9th trip around the complete works.

Stunning, awesome, finish, with complete successful control of the dynamics to the end.

[rjr1967]

@GusMahler8 hmm... as for portraying heaven, I think the Adagio from his Symphony no. 4 is less strenuously achieved heaven, more mystical even than the strum und drang of the chorus mysticus.