Semyon Bychkov and the Czech Philharmonic New Recording of Mahler's Symphony No. 3

Released on the Pentatone label, this album is the latest in Bychkov's complete Mahler cycle

Conductor Semyon Bychkov and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra have recently released a new recording of Mahler's Symphony No. 3 on the Pentatone label. The disc is part of their ongoing complete Mahler cycle and features mezzo-soprano Catriona Morison, the Prague Philharmonic Choir, and Pueri Gaudentes.

Bychkov's relationship with Mahler's music first began when he heard this work as a 10-year-old choirboy, and he has been fascinated by this symphony — which he describes as Mahler's "least hysterical" music — ever since.

So far, Bychkov and the Czech Philharmonic have recorded Mahler's First, Second, Fourth, and Fifth symphonies, with four still to come. The cycle has been featured on the Gramophone Editor's Choices, BBC Radio 3 Record Review Record of the Week, BBC Music Magazine Orchestral Choices, and multiple ICMA nomination lists.

The recording comes after Bychkov and the orchestra devoted 2024 to the exploration of Czech music, with Dvořák’s last three symphonies, the concertos for piano, violin and cello, and the trilogy of overtures "Nature, Life and Love."

"Discovering Mahler’s music is akin to discovering life itself," Bychkov said. "Experiencing it is to be drawn into his world and values. What emerges from his music, his letters and, the testimonies of those who knew him is the duality of this man. Being a creator and interpreter all at once, he invents the sounds which re-create the world of nature and humans."