Mahlerians

Mahler's Resurrection Symphony

While the rest of the country was watching football and national anthem dramatics, we were at Benaroya Hall listening to Mahler. 

Mahlerian is an actual noun in the Oxford English Dictionary, meaning an fanatical admirer of the Austrian composer and conductor.  The 232-page manuscript (a book, really) of Mahler's second symphony recently sold to a Mahlerian for 6 million dollars.

The precious score is unaltered since it was first written by the composer, including his own deletions, alterations and annotations.  This was the first (and probably last) time a complete symphony written in Mahler's own hand was offered for sale.      

Mahler's Resurrection Symphony is a massive work requiring a huge orchestra and chorus, running almost 90 minutes without intermission.  All those performers require a stage extension, and when that happens our 4th row seats become first row.  This gives us an intimate view of the cello section, assorted feet and knees, and of course the guest conductor looming over us on his pedestal.

 

Giancarlo Guerrero is the Grammy award winning Music Director of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. His conducting was so animated that at one point his baton actually splintered, and a small piece lodged in the back of his curly hair for the rest of the symphony.  First row seats might not be ideal, but it sure gives you a unique perspective.  Maybe they need to put up those safety nets, like at the ball park?

It was a beautiful fall weekend.  And like a Mahler Symphony, the month of September is over too fast.