The Mahler Academy Orchestra recently performed Mahler’s Ninth Symphony at the Proms, using period instruments and historically informed techniques. This approach seeks to recreate the sound and style of the time when Mahler himself would have conducted the piece, around the turn of the 20th century. Conductor Philipp von Steinaecker sourced antique Viennese brass and woodwind instruments, as well as French harps, Turkish cymbals, and large tubular bells, to achieve an authentic sound. The orchestra used gut strings and minimal vibrato, with an emphasis on portamento—a sliding between notes—and rubato, a flexible tempo that adds expressive nuance to the performance. The orchestral setup was unconventional, with the bass section placed high behind the brass, and the strings divided on either side of the conductor. Harps and horns were positioned on the audience’s right instead of the usual left. This layout aimed to reflect the acoustics and spatial arrangements of the time, though it may have altered the overall sound balance. The first movement was described as self-conscious, with noticeable use of scooping portamenti and spotlighted instrumental solos, which some found deliberate and others felt overly dramatic. Despite the unconventional choices, the performance was praised for its high quality. The horns were secure, the trumpets bright, the flutes woody, and the oboe had a distinctive, spicy tone. The Ländler, a dance-like movement, was performed with a paralytic energy, moving from dramatic transitions into a drunken stupor, capturing the piece’s emotional extremes. The Rondo-Burleske, known for its frenetic energy, was described as snorting and snarling, with the orchestra’s motor in overdrive, creating a chaotic yet powerful effect. The elegiac finale was particularly moving, with the Academy strings delivering a breathtaking performance that ended in complete silence, highlighting the precision and control of the musicians. This interpretation, described as trailblazing, offers a fresh perspective on Mahler’s work. The performance is available on BBC Sounds until 12 October, allowing listeners to experience this unique rendition of one of Mahler’s most profound symphonies.