There are many factors involved in the choice of a symphony season opener. This year, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Marin Alsop presents Gustav Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony in all of its glory Saturday night at the Music Center at Strathmore. “This is a wonderful way to open the season, as this piece is done on a lot of significant occasions,” said Tom Hall, director of the Baltimore Choral Arts Society, which performs in the last movement of this spectacular work.
“This very notion of rising up and recovering, offers the perfect inspiration in an expansive, romantic way,” Hall continued. “Mahler leaves no stone unturned as he explores the [idea] of hope and redemption. And the canvas he writes on is enormous!”
| Onstage |
| BSO Classical Concert Series: Mahler’s Resurrection |
| Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda |
| When: 8 p.m. Saturday |
| INfo: $30 to $80; 410-783-8000, 877-BSO-1444; bsomusic.org |
As a sophisticated and complex work of music, “Resurrection” is an piece that appeals not only to the classical music connoisseur, but also to people who have never heard an orchestral work before.
Throughout his lifetime, Mahler seemed victimized by tragedy at every turn — from the unhappy marriage of his parents to the death and illnesses among his 11 siblings. All of these experiences and more are woven into “Resurrection,” which magnifies his obsession with death and the afterlife. The symphony begins with a funeral march based on a secular poem. Four additional movements culminate with a portrayal of Judgment Day.
The piece moves toward a brilliant conclusion with an unforgettable choral finale, a tremendous outpouring of voices.
“The chorus, who have been sitting quietly throughout the symphony, rise up with their great lyrics of hope and inspiration,” Hall explained. “This is the last part of the final movement and about 15 minutes long.”
Many see Mahler’s “Resurrection” as a metaphorical statement of being struck down, getting up and starting over. Given the time and place in our history, the BSO season opener has been well-chosen.
