A emotionally charged concert. The grandeur and drama of Ludwig van Beethoven's Third Symphony (1803-'04), initially intended as a tribute to Napoleon Bonaparte, contrasts with the introverted Rückert-Lieder (1901-'02) by Gustav Mahler. We will also hear the Adagio from Mahler's unfinished Tenth Symphony (1910) – his musical testament – with which the composer not only bids farewell to life, but to traditional tonality as well.
The verse of the German poet Friedrich Rückert (1788-1866) with its direct expressiveness encouraged Mahler towards an equally refined, chamber music-like tonal landscape, with enormous depth and internalised expression. One of the lieder, Liebst du um Schönheit, was an intimate declaration of love by Gustav to his wife and muse, Alma.
Mahler's lieder will be sung by the German bass baritone Jochen Kupfer, who has several Wagner roles to his credit as well as having released a remarkable recording of Schubert's Winterreise. First guest conductor at Opera Vlaanderen and eminent Mahler expert Alexander Joel will be conducting.
Length: ca. 2 h 15 min, incl. interval
Discover our team
