I’m gestating a blog entry about community orchestras, but in the meantime, please enjoy this video featuring Principal trumpeter Jeff Work and Acting principal bassist Ted Botsford, as they talk about why this weekend’s concert featuring Franz Joseph Haydn’s “Miracle” Symphony No. 96 and Gustav Mahler’s Symphony Without a Number “Das Lied von der Erde” is a must-see event.
In my opinion, aside from the fact that this is one of Mahler’s most heartfelt and intimate compositions, and that the Oregon Symphony is sounding in top form these days, the two vocal soloists that sing through much of this work are simply outstanding, and worth the price of admission all on their own. Tenor Anthony Dean Griffey is magnificent, and garnered rave reviews for his portrayal of Peter Grimes in the recent Metropolitan Opera production of the eponymous opera. Mezzo soprano Tamara Mumford, who was a last-minute replacement for a double-booked artist, is also impressive, having sung with the Met this season in productions of Wozzeck and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
3 replies on “mahler’s ‘das Lied von der Erde’ – rare Portland performance”
Saturday’s performance of the Mahler Das Lied will be a melancholy but fitting end of a long journey I’ve had with this man’s music. Since I first discovered this music when in grade school some 50 years ago, I have sought out live concert performances of all his major works.Some 10 symphonies later, Das Lied von der Erde was the last major work of his to hear in the concert hall….. until tonight. I’ve bought myself a seat in the first row of the Dress Circle… this is something special….”I stand here and wait for my friend. I wait to bid him a last farewell….. ewig… ewig”.
How wonderful, Ken! Glad to know you’ll be completing your journey with us.
Thank you for your kind words, Charles. You and the orchestra played superbly last night, especially so in the Haydn symphony. In the Mahler, Maestro Kalmar was most impressive in his attention to details , continually shading and balancing the orchestra to support the singers. Everyone played his very best and covered themselves in glory. Soli Deo Gloria!