Lorin Maazel and the Philharmonia Orchestra perform Mahler’s Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Symphonies. This is the second in a series that will encompass Mahler’s Nine Symphonies, featuring live orchestral recordings from London’s Royal Festival Hall of Maazel and the Philharmonia’s much-lauded Mahler Cycle.

“Lorin Maazel’s Mahler cycle with the Philharmonia Orchestra is set to be the standout concert-going event of the year and goes from strength to strength...On this occasion – and ‘occasion’ it certainly was – the conjunction of performers and music was near ideal, a perfect balance of ‘head and heart’. In the past Maazel has sometimes seemed slightly cerebral, the supreme technician but often standing away from the music. However, he seems to have a new-found warmth, passion and understanding. All his conducting wizardry remains but this was far more than a clinical traversal for Maazel captured that sense of awe at Mahler’s teeming invention, the work’s inner-life, which one felt when first hearing this extraordinary work... all sections of the Philharmonia were covered in glory – particular credit to the excellent bass trombone, Christian Jones, and the sensitive tuba, Peter Smith... this was as shattering – and moving – a performance of this symphony as it has been my privilege to hear." - Douglas Cooksey, Classical Source, 19/4/2011