Exploring Mahler 10

In general, I don't think anyone can say that any Mahler symphony is more moving than the other. Sure, there are parts of symphonies that have more emotional depth than other parts, but really, trying to compare them is a foolish endeavor. That said, however....

I wonder if there is something extra to Mahler's Tenth Symphony. Poor Mahler had a terminal heart condition, and his skanky wife was having an affair. This man's heart was, in more ways than one, being torn apart, and I think you can truly hear that in his last symphony. At least, it's my opinion that the highs are higher and the lows, lower, compared to his other symphonies.

Minnesota Public Radio Host/Managing Director Brian Newhouse was host for the evening, but didn't spend a great deal of time talking. He went through and talked about Deryck Cooke, and about the symphony, and the orchestra played examples. I was grateful that he didn't talk much (not because I'm not a fan of him, but I worry about people zoning out), but was even more grateful that when he DID talk, it was short, to the point, interesting, and never above our heads yet never pedantic (no wonder he's on the radio.) So, after a bit of talking about the work, the orchestra set off for the 75 minute journey that is Mahler's last symphony.

Gut-wrenching. That's the best word I kind think of for the HSO's performance. Maestro Graf and the orchestra took the amazing emotional highs and lows of this work and fully embraced them. The orchestra moved past the mundane issues of intonation and whatnot, and were in full on deep emotional territory, and navigating it like true professionals.

I have gotten in the habit of writing a few notes during a performance, often to help me write a blog entry about it, but my pen this time was never put to use. I was far too mesmerized. (I'm kind of kicking myself now about that--I'd like to give an account of sorts of the movements, but I can't really).

Perhaps I don't need notes though, because this might sum it all up. In the last movement, towards the end in some more quiet moments, I heard sniffling EVERYWHERE. It wasn't the kind where you just kinda clear your nose. No, this was the kind where 75 minutes of snot has built up because you have been crying but unable to REALLY cry out loud because you are at a concert hall. I looked to my left, and there was a woman in tears. Behind me and to the right a bit I heard more crying. Then at the end, I too was crying quite a bit, but able to hold the sniffling until the applause, which at that point, a bunch of people in front of me turned around to look at me, and make comments about the girl clapping really loudly with tears down her face and sniffing a lot. Normally I'm one to cheer and make all sorts of noises of appreciate, but I couldn't on Saturday night.

What added to the emotion I think is that the 100th anniversary of Mahler's death is this week. I think about what wonderful pieces Mahler would have composed if he'd been on earth longer, and it saddens me deeply.

But then I am thankful that he was able to write what he did, and particularly for his Tenth Symphony, for its sheer beauty. I'm thankful for Deryck Cooke's work on it. My thankfulness then turns towards the musicians, particularly in this case, to Maestro Graf and the Houston Symphony Orchestra, for so eloquently and passionately bringing Mahler's music to life. It was an absolutely unforgettable performance.