Mahler Symphony No. 9

David Bernard, Park Avenue Chamber Symphony

RELEASE DATE: JUNE 13, 2025

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ABOUT THIS ALBUM

The Park Avenue Chamber Symphony under the direction of David Bernard presents Mahler's Ninth, his final completed symphony, in a milestone release celebrating the orchestra’s 25th anniversary. The Ninth is Mahler’s artistic dénouement—presenting a procession of three movements that look backwards through the composer’s artistic life, followed by a finale that serves as a reflective epilogue. Through the unfolding of the first three movements--from Mahler’s most introspective and mature musical depiction of his youth, to his most expressive portrayal of cultural heritage through Ländlers and Waltzes, through his most spectacular and moving tour-de-force showcase of contrapuntal prowess--the Ninth embodies the most elevated treatment of the musical and philosophical tensions Mahler had explored repeatedly throughout his career. And through the final Adagio, Mahler ponders the impact of his creative life on the world with music that is at once emotionally deep, otherworldly and passionately expressive. It is an evocative and penetrating meditation on Mahler’s artistic soul that slows down time itself to magnify every nuanced gesture.

A celebrated Mahler conductor, David Bernard's approach to the Ninth emphasizes textual clarity and integrity of line while maintaining the emotional urgency of the narratives essential to this work. Recorded at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music by the Grammy Award Winning team at Audiosmith Digital Solutions, and engineered by Christian Amonson of Seeing Sound, this release draws listeners into an intimate encounter with Mahler's wondrous soundworld. The Album Booklet features liner notes by David Patrick Stearns, Maestro Bernard's essay "Beyond the Farewell: Survivorship Bias and Musical Meaning" and a photo essay celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony.

ALBUM BOOKLET

PERFORMER TESTIMONIALS

“It was an unparalleled experience to explore this piece under the baton of Maestro Bernard alongside my fellow musicians. I will treasure the memory of recording and performing this astounding work of art.” — Davis Erin Anderson, French horn

“Rehearsing, recording, and performing Mahler’s Symphony 9 with the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony was a deeply inspiring experience. From the beginning of the rehearsal process to the final performance, there was a sense of collective dedication and artistic integrity. Each musician brought not only technical brilliance, but also a sincere investment in the music.

Being part of this process with PACS reminded me why I fell in love with orchestra in the first place. It was humbling and motivating to be among musicians who continually strive for excellence. Participating in this project went beyond rigorous study of a piece I dreamed of performing. It was an experience of connection, discipline, and beauty. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.” —Emily Dana, Principal Viola

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

Mahler Symphony No. 9

“Bernard’s leadership from the podium was characterized by meticulous attention to detail. His ability to interpret Mahler’s complex score with precision and emotional clarity exemplified a rare blend of technical mastery and artistic insight. With his fluid yet purposeful gestures, he guided the orchestra through the symphony’s emotional peaks and valleys, ensuring that each transition was seamless and every climax resonated with full impact.”

From Mahler Symphony No. 5

“Crisply focused with hyper-vivid recorded sound”

“Vigorous and gracious by turns...This performance would have brought me to my feet in the hall [and] for audiophiles because of the superior sound.”

“impressive focus and cohesion….intelligent balancing of contrapuntal strands… vividly detailed engineering.”

“Here we have energy in the bustling counterpoint, warmth in the lyrical passages and that compelling narrative arc through each movement which holds our attention.”

"A firmly grounded interpretation that eschews histrionics in favor of an unwavering fidelity to Mahler’s intentions….The Adagietto emerges perfectly, conveying Mahler’s obvious affection yet not dipping into sentimentality… the work’s effulgent joy shines radiantly through in the Finale, concluding a thoroughly enjoyable reading."

“One can only praise this recording. Conductor David Bernard convinces with his coherent and idiomatic Mahler conducting and is superbly supported by an excellent and committed orchestra. An often moving warmth characterizes Beethoven’s Third Symphony, which David Bernard conducts in a very inspired manner. He demonstrates not only a keen sense of color, but also of detail, which makes for an interesting rhetoric. Bernard does not miss a single opportunity the composer gives him. The excellent Park Avenue Chamber Symphony also serves as a very inspired instrument.”

"Quite impressive by our European standards. One can only marvel at this release. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 immediately captivates with its directness and the musicians' commitment. The tempos are brisk but never rushed, and the conducting highlights the modernity of Beethoven’s writing. The listener appreciates the ensemble’s uniformity, its rich overall sound, and the quality of the sections' contributions. This interpretation is flawless both musically and artistically.

In Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 The conductor perfectly captures the character of the movements, managing an airy and coherent instrumental texture. This is an heroic Mahler but one that avoids heaviness or excessive intention. The musicians of the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, in an expanded formation, perform as a unified body, with all sections showing remarkable engagement, particularly the glorious brass.

The success of this album must be acknowledged, showcasing the high quality of the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony under David Bernard’s precise and inspired direction."