Gustav Mahler (1860-1911)
Symphony No. 9
Chamber Version by Klaus Simon
Camerata RCO
Gustavo Gimeno
Gutman 2014
After the recent success of my Mahler arrangements in concert halls worldwide, it was overdue that someone would make the effort to produce a top-notch studio recording. Therefore, I was especially pleased to hear about this project of Camerata RCO and Gustavo Gimeno, and I must say that the result is truly breathtaking. Thank you all so much for this amazing work!
As an arranger, I feel commited to the tradition of Arnold Schönbergs Verein für musikalische Privataufführungen, in which it was all about clarity. Schönberg was convinced that substantial orchestra works could also stand up for themselves in the chamber setting. Driven by this idea, a couple of pieces were arranged for an ensemble including flute, oboe, clarinet, harmonium, piano, string quintet, and sometimes percussion. This is also the basis of my arrangements, but from the beginning I extended them by bassoon, horn, and – for Mahler’s First, Ninth and the upcoming Fifth – even second clarinet, horn and trumpet.
The source of Gustav Mahler’s modernity can be found above all in the internal structure of the compositions, which becomes the most tangible when the masses of sound are carefully reduced, so that one can hear more clearly what is going on. Through my arrangements, Mahler’s works can be experienced just like under the magnifying glass, listened to as if the works were still in progress, leaving one walking away with a completely new, no less magic, but quite possibly more exact impression of his music. (Klaus Simon, July 2014)
digital download, flac, front nd back covers