A Philzuid tradition not to be missed. Chief Conductor Duncan Ward continues his Mahler journey with a performance of the epic Symphony No. 9.
In his last completed symphony, everything comes together for Mahler: love, grief, death and an unshakable faith in life. His marriage to Alma was deeply affected by the death of their daughter Maria.
At the same time, Mahler was diagnosed with the serious heart condition that would eventually prove fatal. The bells of fate rang ever louder, yet this four-movement symphony feels like one great, hopeful farewell.
The symphony is framed by two profound, slow movements that rank among Mahler's finest music. Between them, two shorter, invigorating movements sustain the work's vital energy.
Although Mahler gazes death in the face, his symphony radiates hope and optimism. His love of nature and of this strange, mysterious life can be heard in every note. As Mahler himself put it: "I am thirstier for life than ever."
