An expert interpreter of Mahler's symphonies, CSO Principal Conductor Bernard Haitink leads the triumphant First Symphony.This release coincides with Haitink’s 80th birthday. Happy Birthday Bernard!
According to the Chicago Tribune, "Haitink's reading was warmly expansive and beautifully played." The Chicago Sun-Times noted, "Haitink and the CSO demonstrated confidence, vigor and ease…and brought the capacity crowd to its feet for a five-minute series of ovations." A musical force in Chicago and around the world, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is consistently hailed as one of the finest international orchestras. Its expansive catalogue of more than 900 recordings has earned 58 Grammy Awards-more than any other orchestra in the world. In 2007, the CSO launched its in-house record label, CSO Resound. Featuring live concert performances by the CSO with world-class conductors and guest artists, CSO Resound showcases the power and versatility of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra today.

"Haitink's baton barely had to quiver for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to unfurl textures of gossamer, satin, and down." The New Yorker

"Plenty of other conductors have brought us the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as a virtuoso band. Haitink has shown us what fine musicians they all are." Financial Times

“So it is here in this superb recording of Mahler's First Symphony, made during performances in Chicago last year. The spectrum of texture Haitink conjures from the orchestra is astonishing, ranging as it does from delicate wisps to violent eruptions...This breathtaking performance is the next best thing to hearing Haitink and the CSO in the flesh.” The Daily Telegraph