The Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal's New Recording of Mahler's Orchestral Songs, with Baritone Christian Gerhaher, Under the Direction of Kent Nagano

Sony Classical releases an awe-inspiring rendition of three cycles of lieder from Gustav Mahler sung by world-renowned German baritone Christian Gerhaher, accompanied by the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, under the direction of Kent Nagano. These songs were recorded during the January 12 and 14, 2013 concerts, at the Maison Symphonique De Montréal. This is the second collaboration between Christian Gerhaher and the OSM, the first being the Das Lied von der Erde (The Song of the Earth).

"Mahler's creative genius and the refinement of Christian Gerhaher's extraordinary talent, interpretive sensitivity and imagination provoke both the OSM and the listener into a relationship of intensely active collaboration, said Kent Nagano.

"We can find good arguments that show how well these three cycles, as different as they are from each other, fit together on one album. Many thanks to Kent Nagano, who used his unshakeable and positive will to make this possible", said Christian Gerhaher.

All three lieder cycles are delivered with the refinement, the precision and the transparency that have characterized Mahler's lyricism, a moving interpretation that thrusts the listener into a contemplative mood.

If Gustav Mahler's musical originality created a bridge between the 20th century and the modern times, the important themes of romanticism are at the core of his work. He was the first composer to enrich his lieder with orchestral depth. The turmoil of Mahler's symphonic frescoes contrasts with the tender resignation and inner peace of his lieder. The composer is inspired by the beauty of nature, and it is there that he finds the answers to his despair. Is it strange alchemy or an initiation rite? That is how he responds to the grief caused by an unfulfilled love affair in Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (Songs of a Wayfarer), which are viewed as autobiographical. It is also how he sets to music five of the 428 poems written by German lyricist and Orientalist Friedrich Rückert, who was himself deeply wounded by the death of two of his children.

In Kindertotenlieder (Songs on the Death of Children), Mahler brought to light the intense grief as well as the resilience of the poet, who has provided him with the essence to compose his other song cycle, his five Rückert Lieder.

Track Listing:

Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen

-Wenn mein Schatz Hochzeit mact

-Gieng heut' Morgen über's Feld

-Ich hab' ein glühend Messer

-Die zwei blauen Augen

Kindertotenlieder

-Nun will die Sonn' so hell aufgeh'n!

-Nun seh' ich wohl, warum so dunkle Flammen

-Wenn dein Mütterlein

-Oft denk' ich, sie sind nur ausgegangen!

-In diesem Wetter!

Rückert Lieder

-Blick mir nicht in die Lieder

-Ich atmet einen linden Duft

-Um Mitternacht

-Liebst du um Schönheit

-Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen

Christian Gerhaher, Baritone

In 1998, after successfully completing his medical studies, Christian Gerhaher decided to fully concentrate on perfecting his vocal training. That same year, he won the Prix International Pro Musicis and made his debut at Carnegie Hall in New York. His career was launched and the most prestigious concert halls' doors were now wide open to him. A highly sought-after performer, he soon set the standards for lied interpretation. Together with pianist Gerold Hubert, he received two "Echo Klassic" awards (in 2002 and 2004) as well as a Gramophone Award (in 2006), for their interpretations of Schubert lieder.

Kent Nagano, Music Director

In September of 2006, Kent Nagano became Music Director of the OSM. Throughout various terms, past or present, whether as General Music Director of prestigious musical ensembles (Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich), as artistic adviser (Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra), or as guest conductor of some of the world's finest orchestras (Vienna, Berlin and New York Philharmonic Orchestras, the Dresden Staatskapelle and the Leipzig Gewandhaus), Kent Nagano has always been committed to introducing new music to audiences all over the world, while offering fresh insights into established repertoires.

The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal

Since its founding in 1934, the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal has distinguished itself as a leader in the orchestral life of Quebec and Canada. As a cultural ambassador of the highest order, the OSM has earned an enviable reputation worldwide, thanks to its numerous recordings and tours of the highest quality. The OSM, under the direction of Music Director Kent Nagano, continues with this rich tradition, while distinguishing itself through innovating programming that aims at updating the symphonic repertoire, and at firmly establishing the OSM's position within the community. In September of 2011, the OSM and Maestro Nagano inaugurated the Maison symphonique de Montréal, the Orchestra's new home. After many international tours that have led it on all six continents, the OSM continues to bring excellence wherever it goes! In Spring 2013, the OSM set sail through South America, where it visited the cities of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, Buenos Aires and Bogota, brilliantly reaffirming once again, its place on the international stages.

For more information on the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, visit www.osm.ca.