Mahler: Symphony No. 4

Mahler returns to his homeland The Czech Philharmonic and its principal conductor and music director Semyon Bychkov present a new recording of Mahler's Fourth Symphony, laying the groundwork for a complete Mahler symphony cycle to be released by PENTATONE. This is the label's first ever complete Mahler cycle and the first recording of this extraordinary symphonic work by the Czech Philharmonic since its recording under Vacláv Neumann between 1976 and 1982. Although Mahler was primarily active in Vienna during the prime of his career, he was born in what is now the Czech Republic and returns to his homeland with this recording project. For conductor Semyon Bychkov, Mahler's symphonies are about expressing the polyphony of life, and recording these works is the fulfillment of a lifelong fascination. This cycle deliberately begins with the most popular and frequently performed Fourth, famous for its macabre scherzo, soothing slow movement and heavenly finale, sung by soprano Chen Reiss. The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world with a rich tradition of performing Czech masters and Central European music. Semyon Bychkov has led the world's greatest orchestras and will be the chief conductor and music director of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra from the 2018 / 2019 season. Soprano Chen Reiss frequently performs on the world's greatest opera and concert stages. Chen Reiss, Semyon Bychkov and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra make their debut with PENTATONE.