Mahler in Vienna
In 1900, Gustav Mahler celebrated his fortieth birthday. Three years earlier, he had been appointed opera director of the Vienna Court Opera and a year later, music director of the Vienna Philharmonic. Mahler was a relentless worker who didn't spare himself, and in 1901, he paid a heavy price for his efforts. He conducted two opera performances in a single day and was struck by a hemorrhage that nearly proved fatal. During his recovery, he immersed himself in the work of his great examples, Bach and Beethoven. In the euphoria of his recovery, he threw himself with renewed energy into composing a Scherzo.
From darkness to light
In this scherzo, Mahler, for once, makes no reference to previously composed songs, and the Fifth is a purely instrumental work. That autumn, he met Alma Schindler, a meeting that led to their marriage a few months later. He expressed his love for Alma in an Adagietto. Together, these two movements form the foundation of the Fifth Symphony , which begins with a funeral march in C-sharp minor and ends with a radiant D-flat major finale. From darkness to light.
An unforgettable musical experience
The Concertgebouw’s famous Main Hall is one of the best concert halls in the world, well-known for its exceptional acoustics and special atmosphere. In the Main Hall, you will feel history. Here, Gustav Mahler conducted his own compositions, as did Richard Strauss and Igor Stravinsky. Sergei Rachmaninoff played his own piano concertos in the Main Hall. This is also where musicians such as Leonard Bernstein, Vladimir Horowitz and Yehudi Menuhin gave legendary performances. Right up to now, the Main Hall offers a stage to the world’s best orchestras and musicians. Buy your tickets now and experience the magic of the Main Hall for yourself!
