On the other hand, the orchestral sound itself not only maintains the crystalline acoustic of their previous Mahler outings for Oehms but Stenz outdoes himself in finding a level of musical depth ...

With its huge orchestral complement, eight vocal soloists, and massed choral forces spilling over the stage, Mahler’s mighty Eighth Symphony is trotted out only when a grand statement must be made.

And a lovely thing it is. Thierry Fischer is clearly a Mahlerian to contend with, full of ideas and with the wherewithal to execute them. Soloists are well chosen for the contrasting qualities of ...