Title: Mahler: Symphony No. 8 Artist: Georg Solti Release Date: 1999 Label: Decca Duration: 79:40 Album Type(s): Special essay (music history, styles, etc.), lyrics/libretto UPC: 028946097229 Genre: Symphony Total Copies: 1 Number of Discs/SwapaCD Credits: 1

1. Symphony No. 8 in E flat major ("Symphony of a Thousand")
   - Veni, creator spiritus
2. Symphony No. 8 in E flat major ("Symphony of a Thousand")
   - Imple suprna gratia
3. Symphony No. 8 in E flat major ("Symphony of a Thousand")
   - Infirma nostri corporis
4. Symphony No. 8 in E flat major ("Symphony of a Thousand")
   - Accende lumen sensibus
5. Symphony No. 8 in E flat major ("Symphony of a Thousand")
   - Veni, creator spiritus
6. Symphony No. 8 in E flat major ("Symphony of a Thousand")
   - Gloria Patri Domino
7. Symphony No. 8 in E flat major ("Symphony of a Thousand")
   - Poco adagio - Waldung, sie schwankt heran
8. Symphony No. 8 in E flat major ("Symphony of a Thousand")
   - Ewiger Wonnebrand
9. Symphony No. 8 in E flat major ("Symphony of a Thousand")
   - Wie Felsenabgrund mir zu Füßen
10. Symphony No. 8 in E flat major ("Symphony of a Thousand")
    - Gerettet ist das edle Glied
11. Symphony No. 8 in E flat major ("Symphony of a Thousand")
    - Uns bleibt ein Erdenrest - Hier ist die Aussicht frei
12. Symphony No. 8 in E flat major ("Symphony of a Thousand")
    - Höchste Herrscherin der Welt - Dir, der Unberührbaren
13. Symphony No. 8 in E flat major ("Symphony of a Thousand")
    - Bei der Liebe, die den Füßen
14. Symphony No. 8 in E flat major ("Symphony of a Thousand")
    - Neige, neige du Ohnegleiche
15. Symphony No. 8 in E flat major ("Symphony of a Thousand")
    - Blicket auf zum Retterblick
16. Symphony No. 8 in E flat major ("Symphony of a Thousand")
    - Alles Vergängliche

Aside from his sensational Wagner Ring cycle, if one recording in Georg Solti's catalog bears repeated reissues, it must be his truly legendary 1971 rendition of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 8 in E flat major, "Symphony of a Thousand," a captivating performance that was unmatched in its day and one that still holds its own against later releases. This recording is especially worth considering because of its unequaled octet of singers -- sopranos Heather Harper, Lucia Popp, and Arleen Augér, contraltos Yvonne Minton and Helen Watts, tenor René Kollo, baritone John Shirley-Quirk, and bass Martti Talvela -- whose ecstatic voices are set against three great Viennese choirs and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra playing at its absolute best. Such a confluence of talent under Solti's baton certainly makes this version desirable, but what makes it fascinating to hear is the stunning remastering, which brings out all of this magnificent recording's refined details, spatial depth, and dynamic power, making it an even more compelling listening experience than it was on vinyl. Digital transfers of analog recordings are not always trustworthy, but this is as good as it gets; collectors who might be skeptical should compare the sound with any all-digital version; in a blindfold test, they are virtually impossible to qualitatively tell apart. This extraordinary recording is not only highly recommended, it is mandatory for all serious Mahlerians. ~ Blair Sanderson, All Music Guide

Name Credits Andrew Wedman Remastering Arleen Augér Soprano (Vocal) Chicago Symphony Orchestra Orchestra David Harvey Producer Elfriede Hanak Photography Fabian Watkinson Booklet Editor Georg Solti Conductor Gordon Parry Engineer Heather Harper Soprano (Vocal) Helen Watts Contralto (Vocal) Helmuth Froschauer Choir Master James Lock Liner Notes John Shirley-Quirk Baritone (Vocal) Kenneth Wilkinson Engineer Lucia Popp Soprano (Vocal) Mark Millington Art Direction Martti Talvela Bass (Vocal) Michael Kennedy Liner Notes Norbert Balatsch Choir Master René Kollo Tenor (Vocal) Sydney Weiss Concert Master Victor Aitay Concert Master Wilhelm Pitz Rehearsal Director Yvonne Minton Contralto (Vocal)