Cleveland Orchestra

“Mahler that risks nothing is not worth hearing. Mahler that risks everything will almost certainly fall apart in performance and fail to deliver the composer’s insights. So, where is the right level of risk to be found? And does it extend beyond the stage? There is no question that Klaus Mäkelä’s reading of Mahler’s Symphony No.3 with the Cleveland Orchestra on this occasion was visceral and richly detailed, capturing both a sense of wonder and a joy in Mahler’s endless invention.”

Seen and Heard International, Mark Sebastian Jordan, 18 October 2024


“By now, Mäkelä sounds like a seasoned collaborator with TCO, bringing out the best in them … It was the final movement, though, that made the strongest impression. Growing from barely a whisper was an endless, sumptuous melody, luxuriating through the gorgeous, long-bowed string playing. It built to deeply-felt climaxes in a radiant hymn, a blissful state after such a long journey one wished could have lasted forever. Past the 100-minute mark the final bars arrived, majestic and leaving the hall in glowing resound.”

Bachtrack.com, Sam Jacobson, 20 October 2024


“Mahler wrote, “Slow; peaceful; deeply felt,” at the beginning of the sixth movement, and Mäkëla and the Orchestra luxuriated in its musical lines, taking their time to let its gorgeousness unfold. The textures built in intensity only to retreat several times in Mahler’s characteristic way of testing the waters to see if his optimism is really warranted. A wonderful flute solo by Joshua Smith helped affirm that it was, and after the last swell, the movement and the symphony ended quietly. Mäkëla held the silence well after the notes in the score had disappeared — a moment to remember.”

Cleveland.com, Daniel Hathaway, 18 October 2024


PROGRAMME:
Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 3
The Cleveland Orchestra Chorus
The Cleveland Orchestra Children’s Chorus
Soloist: Jennifer Johnston