Gustav Mahler; Sally Beamish - Sound of the Sun (Branford Marsalis)

Information

Composer: Gustav Mahler; Sally Beamish

• Mahler - Rückert Lieder, Op. 44: III. Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen
• Beamish - Under the Wing of the Rock
• Beamish - The Imagined Sound of Sun on Stone
• Mahler - Symphony No. 2: IV. Urlicht

Branford Marsalis, saxophone

Virginia Symphony Orchestra

Eric Jacobsen, conductor

Date: 2023 / 2026

Label: Bright Shiny Things

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This album features the expressive saxophone artistry of multi-GRAMMY Award-winning Branford Marsalis in a compelling program that unites works by Sally Beamish and Gustav Mahler. Under the direction of Eric Jacobsen and performed with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, the recording juxtaposes the lyrical melancholy of Mahler’s songs with the vivid energy and imaginative textures of Beamish’s lesser-known compositions. Marsalis’s nuanced interpretation brings a distinctive voice to the repertoire, while the orchestra provides a dynamic and sensitive foundation, resulting in a richly evocative musical experience that highlights both emotional depth and striking contrasts in style.

Branford Marsalis (b. 1960), a New Orleans-born saxophonist, is a highly acclaimed, multi-award-winning artist known for his versatility as a performer, composer, and bandleader. A three-time Grammy winner and NEA Jazz Master, he leads the renowned Branford Marsalis Quartet, celebrated for its longevity and stylistic breadth. Beyond jazz, Marsalis is an accomplished classical soloist, collaborating with major orchestras worldwide and performing works by leading composers. His creative output also spans film and Broadway, earning Emmy, Tony, and Drama Desk recognition. Through diverse projects and collaborations, he has established himself as a leading figure in contemporary music across multiple genres.