The concert has been long awaited. One reason is that the repertoire I play is my favorite Mahler, and the other reason is that Master Fanzhideng has once again visited the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra to bring a wonderful “Mahler’s Ninth Symphony.”. Mahler is Bernstein’s favorite composer, and he is also known as one of the “Mahler Experts”. Perhaps for this reason, this concert serves as one of Bernstein’s centennial series.
“The Ninth Symphony” seems to be the most perfect movement for Mahler to bid farewell to the world. “Because he also did not escape the” ninth curse, “which became the composer’s last completed symphony during his lifetime, and was also the commanding height of his art.”. Mahler published this work almost without any changes in the first draft, indicating that he had been thoughtful when writing it. Coming to the end of life, after experiencing infinite pain, he had too much understanding of life, and music became the expression of his thoughts.
“The Ninth Symphony” is full of a strong sense of departure. The Cancer Mahler is born with a sense of insecurity. He is passionate about the world and the people around him, but this enthusiasm is wrapped in a thick shell. In his works, we can often hear a mixture of extreme beauty and gloomy fear. Especially in this piece of music, the two emotions switch frequently. In a capacity of up to 85 minutes. The musical vocabulary we can feel is no less than an excellent novel.
Perhaps because he has already felt his own death, in this work, the composer unreservedly interprets all his understanding of life, art, and music. We can hear that youth has passed away, emotions have been unfortunate, a loved child has died early, health is worrying, and death is approaching… As a summary of his life, he uses music to heal his wounds in solitude, and this healing is to tear open his wounds and dissect his entire body. What we hear is a bleeding heart dancing with a smile.
The song like theme of the first movement narrates the beautiful days of life. There is the light of nature, the goodness of the soul, and the love full of divinity… But all this is accompanied by violent storms, and after the unease caused by the horns and drums, a solemn funeral march follows.
The scherzo of the second movement is like the dance of death. After a heavy, rough, and fast dance of the Lysandra, the waltz’s rhythm spun like fire, and finally the dance turned into a slow, sad tone. I don’t know whether the god of death celebrates his victory or whether ghosts greet the future in this way.
The Rondo in the third movement, a burlesque, is full of rebellious short motives. Wonderful showmanship among musical instruments rises one after another in various vocal parts. I especially like playing flute and clarinet, making the music full of flowing and fresh colors. Feel the rare warmth in the whole song.
The fourth movement begins in the very high range. It was as if his life had reached its peak. Although the motivation is very short, the harp, violin, and cello all make the theme appear warm and tender. Although the tone of sadness has not changed, it resembles a beautiful sunset, slowly disappearing in the colorful glow of the sky. Life, even if it comes to the end, perfectly melts between heaven and earth
I have to say that Mahler is unforgettable and infatuated after hearing it. Although there are few written descriptions of this composer in general music history books. But he is undoubtedly a great figure in the history of classical music. Of course, as you grow older, every time you listen to Mahler, you will have more and more thoughts about life. Because of his richness, because of his deep affection, and because of his unique Mahler
