The Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne has a long-standing tradition with the performance of Gustav Mahler’s symphonies.

In 1904, for example, his Fifth Symphony was premiered there.

Mahler’s own view was that his Third Symphony would be difficult to understand for anyone who did not know his earlier works. That is certainly a matter of opinion. This new recording under the direction of Markus Stenz, however, gives listeners glorious access to this work. And Michaela Schuster is certainly not the least of the reasons, with her brilliant performance of the alto solo “O Mensch, gib’ Acht”.