Alain Altinoglu conducts Mahler 8

"All my previous symphonies were merely preludes to this symphony", Mahler once claimed, "it is my greatest achievement. Try to imagine the whole universe beginning to ring and resound. There are no longer human voices, but planets and suns revolving".

The Eighth Symphony is the last work that Mahler conducted himself, on September 12, 1910, in Munich. This posed quite a challenge, as the score requires an gigantic orchestra (including an organ, a celesta, and a harmonium), as well as eight vocal soloists, two large mixed choirs and a boys’ choir. The first movement of the symphony, which features the Veni creator Spiritus (the Christian hymn of Pentecost in the Latin rite) could be likened to a megalomaniac motet. The second, much longer, is a mix of opera, cantata and oratorio, with German texts taken from the final scene of Goethe's Faust.

Mahler's Eighth Symphony, dedicated to his wife Alma, revolves around the themes of love and divine mercy. Here on earth, these two principles clash with human weakness and inadequacy, condemning humanity to a tumultuous search for peace and serenity. The character of Faust, a creative figure and creator being, symbolizes the ultimate struggle. In the higher realms of the spirit and in death, Faust finally finds the path to salvation through love and divine mercy. Mahler, usually of a pessimistic nature, expresses in this work his confidence in the eternal life of the human spirit.

Part of the Mahler Cycle organised by the three federal institutions.

In synergy with la Monnaie / de Munt.

Broadcast on Musiq3 on 2.06.2025 at 20:00.
Broadcast on Klara on 12.04.2025