“I realized that my job is to awaken possibility in others.”

Mahler & Zander

Introduction

Gustav Mahler has been one of the central figures in Benjamin Zander’s musical life. Ben has recorded a Mahler cycle with the Philharmonia Orchestra over several decades, and has performed all of Mahler’s works numerous times throughout the world. But Ben’s reputation as an important interpreter of the works of Mahler extends far beyond his performances. His discussions, concert talks, lectures, interpretation classes and essays on Mahler’s music have provided guidance to everyone from the first-time listener through to fellow conductors. Within this continually expanding Collection, we are pleased to bring together Benjamin Zander’s insights into Mahler.

 

Click below to listen to Ben’s introduction the works of Gustav Mahler.

 

See below: Ben unlocks the mystery of Mahler’s 1st symphony!

Click Listen to Audio to hear the Discussion Discs from Ben’s Telarc recording.

Symphony no. 1

"I would rank this disc in the top ten recordings of Mahler's 'Symphony No. 1'"

— High Fidelity

"This performance is about as good as anyone can hope to hear"

— Fanfare

"Benjamin Zander continues his essential Mahler series with this outstanding release."

— Classical Net

Symphony no. 2

'a Mahler interpreter of considerable and honest musicality’

— Choir and Organ

'From the commanding opening gesture you already know there’s a master hand on the tiller.'

— American Record Guide

'Zander’s fidelity to Mahler’s markings remains remarkable.'

— Gramophone

Mahler: A Journey (BPO 25th Anniversary Season)

'I was learning a new language of feelings and experience - a language that can hold in a single moment the anguish of loss, the possibility of renewal and the courage that comes from love.'

— Ben Zander

Symphony no. 3

'Even without the bonus of the conductor’s absorbing illustrated analysis, this issue would be exceptional.'

— David Cairns, The Times London

'This is a passionate performance; but one which nevertheless manages to highlight the quietest of solo passages, and retain a sense of the sweep of the entire work.'

— David Littlewood, Wayfarer Magazine

'Now THIS is the real thing. Here is a disc to remind classical lovers why we got so passionately attached to music in the first place.'

— Mark Jordan, High Fidelity

Symphony no. 4

'Mahler to sink your teeth into.'

— Anne Midgette, New York Times

'the most felicitous Mahler recording of recent years'

— Fono Forum

'a luminous, seamless performance from Zander'

— Tony Duggan, MusicWeb International

Explore Ben's teaching of Mahler Symphony no. 4 through his online course for conductors

These classes are an 'opportunity to explore the musical, psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual challenges that face a conductor.'

— Ben Zander

Symphony no. 5

'he hits the perfect balance between the driven and the divine in this music.'

— Boston Herald

'exhilarating and often overwhelming.'

— London Sunday Times

'Zander's Fifth is a revelation.'

— Fanfare Magazine

Symphony no. 6

'without doubt, the most exhilarating recording of Gustav Mahler’s deeply moving Symphony No. 6 (Tragic) I have ever heard'

— Performing Arts Review

'Benjamin Zander conducts Mahler’s Sixth very well indeed; he certainly has the measure of the music and it is clear that he has considered it deeply.'

— MusicWeb International

'Zander's Mahler series for Telarc continues with its most impressive entry yet – a Sixth Symphony of telling detail and powerful overall impact.'

— Classical Net

Symphony no. 7

The Mahler Titan Award of the New York Gustav Mahler Society

Click first on the Presentation Speech given by Lew Smoley, President of the New York Gustav Mahler Society

— Then, watch the film of Ben's Acceptance Speech

Symphony no. 8

Symphony no. 9

'you’ll easily mistake these young musicians for seasoned veterans.'

— Gramophone

'You need to hear this recording. It’s really an impressive achievement.'

— The Art Music Lounge

'a remarkable performance'

— Gramophone

Other works