Brieley Cutting, Angela Turner, Stephen Emmerson, Stewart Kelly - Mahler: Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection" (2014)

Melba Recordings present a version of Mahler’s glorious ‘Resurrection’ Symphony that fewlisteners will ever have heard - performed by four pianists on two pianos - but one that will enable it to be appreciated afresh.

While one might imagine that Mahler’s wonderful orchestration in his Second Symphony is essential to his music, translating it to the sound-world of an eight-hand two-piano arrangement allows it to be heard quite differently, refreshingly and just as powerfully. This is the 100th anniversary of this “double duet” arrangement by Heinrich von Bocklet (published by Universal) which followed an earlier four hands version in 1895 and one made by the conductor Bruno Walter in 1899.

Stripped of its massive orchestral forces this “unplugged” piano version reveals facets of Mahler’s beloved masterpiece anew, its lyrical voices and harsh drama. It remains uniquely overpowering, an epic journey. The music becomes more intimate with more of the personal interactive qualities of chamber music.

Pianist Stephen Emmerson, a deeply respected member of the Australian musical community, has drawn together a group of star pianists for this intriguing recording. Each of his youthful collaborators, Brieley Cutting, Angela Turner and Stewart Kelly, has impressive solo credentials in their own right.

This recording follows on from Emmerson’s acclaimed performances on Melba Recordings, with the brothers Brett and Paul Dean, on ‘Beloved of the Gods’ (MR301121), and with Paul Dean on ‘The Romantic Clarinet’ (MR301138).