“The CSO has played the Mahler Third on many occasions but almost never with the degree of
concentration, fervor and refinement it summoned for Haitink at this performance. . . . But it was the
sublime, transcendent finale toward which everything built, and Haitink rightly made it the beating
heart of his performance. . . . With Haitink and the CSO, a great musical partnership has been born.”
—John von Rhein, Chicago Tribune, October 21, 2006
“. . . Bernard Haitink debuted as CSO principal conductor with a performance of Mahler's massive 100-minute Third Symphony that was one for the history books... Haitink showed that he was here to bring out the mysteries of this magical piece, one that contains an entire world, and that he wanted to meet the CSO's players at a mountaintop of artistry that they would share with the composer.”
—Andrew Patner, Chicago Sun-Times, October 21, 2006
Mahler Symphony No. 3
The Chicago Sun-Times called the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's performance of Mahler's Third Symphony under Bernard Haitink “one for the history books.” These October 2006 concerts marked Haitink's first as principal conductor of the CSO and are now available to the world as the debut release from CSO Resound. Rich in tradition and innovative in vision, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is a musical force in Chicago and around the world. The CSO has produced one of the most expansive catalogs of any international orchestra, with more than nine hundred recordings since 1916. Fifty-eight of those recordings have won Grammy® Awards, more than any other orchestra in the world.
Through its new independent recording label, CSO Resound, the CSO continues its celebrated recording tradition.
CSO Resound will feature the sounds of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra today, with new recordings of thrilling live performances, featuring world-class conductors and guest artists. The name, CSO Resound, reflects the distinct and powerful sound of the orchestra itself—an ensemble of musicians renowned for its sonic brilliance—as well as “re-sound,” as each recording will document and extend the experience of a unique concert event.
About the Artwork
Mahler's Symphony No. 3 is accompanied by the artwork entitled “Cycle.” The cyclical motion and flaring crest of the image refer to the magical “Wunderhorn,” a musical motif, as well as the cycle of life and quest for greater understanding.
The many unique arrows illustrate individual journeys from naïveté to enlightenment as part of a larger, collective migration. The arrows also capture the robust energy of the CSO under the direction of Bernard Haitink in this recording.
Recording Information
Producer: James Mallinson
Engineer: Christopher Willis
Editing Engineering: Classic Sound Limited
Recorded live in Orchestra Hall at Symphony
Center on October 19, 20, and 21, 2006
Total playing time: 1:41:25
24-page booklet with notes and biographies in English, French, and German
Two-disc set available on CD and downloadable through digital music services.
CD Artwork Designed by IA Collaborative
