Bernstein conducts Mahler: Symphony No. 8 (1975)

Leonard Bernstein conducts Mahler's gargantuan Symphony No. 8 in this performance from the Konzerthaus in Vienna, whose stage had to be enlarged to accommodate the huge forces involved: eight soloists, two choruses, children's choir and an expanded orchestra. Captured in 1975 shortly after Bernstein had conducted the work at the Salzburg Festival, this filmed performance shows arguably the greatest Mahler conductor of the time bring his unique mixture of instinctive, passionate interpretation and inspiring musical leadership to one of the grandest works in the repertoire – to unforgettable effect.

Soloists: 

Agnes Baltsa (Mezzo-Soprano), Hermann Prey (Baritone), José van Dam (Bass), Judith Blegen (Soprano), Edda Moser (Soprano), Kenneth Riegel (Tenor), Gerti Zeumer (Soprano)

Ensembles: 

Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor, Wiener Philharmoniker, Wiener Singverein, Wiener Sängerknaben

Conductor: 

Leonard Bernstein