Classical Concert Reviews Cinci

Any performance of a Gustav Mahler symphony in Cincinnati is an experience one should partake in at least once in their lifetime, if not more. Tonight’s performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 by @cincysymphony exceeded expectations in every conceivable metric, from the level of musicianship displayed to the drama and passion imbued in the music.
Composed during the summers of 1903 and 1904 and sometimes subtitled the Tragic symphony, it is perhaps the most morbid of Mahler’s purely orchestral works, bathed in the decidedly tragic key of A minor with occasional moments of joyful or happy respite in its first and third movements.
Under the direction of guest conductor Jaap van Zweden, recently departed music director of the New York and Hong Kong Philharmonics making his CSO subscription conducting debut, the orchestra gave one of its most impactful performances of the 6th symphony in modern times, having not played the work in over 20 years, during Paavo Järvi’s tenure as music director.
The first movement march induced chills from the first notes, with a decidedly militaristic and powerful sound from low strings, brass and an expanded percussion section, which included offstage cowbells played by @culliganperc
The second movement scherzo was much the same as the first, maintaining a morbid spirit with the addition of a hefty bounce to the orchestra’s sound through offbeat accents and near-constant meter changes.
The third movement andante felt like a distant cousin to the Adagietto of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony but much more involved, including soulful solos for oboes, clarinets and horns and evocative string melodies.
The fourth movement was perhaps the finest example of a nightmare-inducing piece, with pounding brass and percussion (including no fewer than three tam tams and a rute) and a spine-tingling pair of hammer blows representing fate.
Van Zweden’s conducting showed two distinct personalities: one more dramatic the other more lyrical reminiscent of how he interprets a Wagner opera. Both came forth in equal measure in the first two movements, but noticeably veered toward the latter in the final two. But tonight’s audience certainly enjoyed it.
Bravi!!