Certain symphonies don’t require anything else on the program beyond themselves. Beethoven’s 9th Symphony is one of those. Should anyone have the nerve to perform Harvergal Brian’s mammoth Symphony #1 – The Gothic, that would be a stand-alone symphony. As is Mahler’s 2nd Symphony also called Resurrection. Gustavo Dudamel will lead the Los Angeles Philharmonic in a performance of Mahler’s symphony on Tuesday at the Hollywood Bowl.
As with many of the composer’s works, Resurrection is a symphony that explores life, death and afterlife. Though the title might imply this is a deeply religious work, Mahler had more on his mind. He explores the good, the bad and the ugly of both life and death. He concludes his symphony with a wondrous and powerful fifth movement.
Joining the LA Philharmonic for this concert are Miah Persson – soprano, Anna Larsson – mezzo soprano and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
Larsson, who is highly sought-after for her performances of Mahler’s work, made her professional debut in 1997 with a performance of this very symphony. She has also performed this work with Dudamel as evidenced by the clip above.
Classicfm.com, in their description of this work, concludes with the following suggestion: “Our sincere recommendation is that you cancel any plans, meetings, social engagements, medical procedures etc that you might have booked in for the next 90 minutes and listen to the whole thing immediately.”
I agree with them. You should go to this concert.
Oh, and when will the LA Phil play Havergal Brian’s Gothic Symphony?
For tickets go here.
Photo of Anna Larsson courtesy of Annalarsson.nu