Valery Gergiev playing Mahler? The most Russian of all Russian conductors conducting the most Austrian of all composers? Of course! It’s original to say the least. Gergiev approaches Mahler with a Russian connection in the back of his mind – Russian composer Shostakovich considered himself to be Mahler’s successor. The issue of country borders in music is always questionable, although Gergiev’s effect-filled suspense is loved the world over – and there is no other Mahler symphony filled with as many effects as his colossal Second Symphony. It is an expansive opus in which to indulge and which turns the tragic first movement into a glowing celebration…

Valery Gergiev Conductor
Mariinsky Theatre St. Petersburg Soloists, Choir and Orchestra

Gustav Mahler
Symphony No. 2 in C minor, “Resurrection Symphony”  (80’)

Finishing time approx.: 8:30 pm