Two years before his death, Gustav Mahler composed his Ninth Symphony, the last one he was able to complete. In view of his serious heart condition, the composer concerned himself in this work with the resulting existential change in his life.

Bernard Haitink is a regular guest on the podium of the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks. In December of 2011, the conductor from the Netherlands led the orchestra in this work, replacing Mariss Jansons who was indisposed at the time, and he was highly praised for his "old-wise" interpretation. Following Bruckner's 5th Symphony, this is the second release Bernard Haitink has presented with the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks on the BR-Klassik label.

Live recording, Munich, Philharmonie im Gasteig, 15/16.12.2011