Gustav Mahler was an Austro-Bohemian Romantic composer, and one of the leading conductors of his generation. As a composer he acted as a bridge between the 19th century Austro-German tradition and the modernism of the early 20th century.

Recorded live at the Royal Albert Hall, London, 22 August 1983.

The Lucerne Festival each year opens with a concert given by the resident Lucerne Festival Orchestra. This is an elite ensemble founded by Claudio Abbado that is based on the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, to which are added internationally renowned soloists and chamber musicians. Marking the centenary of the symphony's premiere in 1906, Abbado leads a heart-felt rendition of Mahler's tragic and prophetic Symphony No. 6; the performance was made all the more powerful because of Abbado's long association with Mahler's music.