A musical farewell: Bäumer introduces Mahler's ninth in Mainz

A musical farewell: Bäumer introduces Mahler's ninth in Mainz

A special musical event will take place on September 20 and 21 in the Mainz State Theater. Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 9 is performed under the direction of Hermann Bäumer, who introduces his farewell season as the chief conductor of the Philharmonic State Orchestra Mainz. This work is considered the last completed masterpiece of the famous composer and promises a moving experience.

The concerts are under a special sign: The Philharmonic State Orchestra Mainz is supported by musicians from the Orchestre Dijon Bourgogne. This collaboration was heralded in September 2023 when the orchestras in Dijon and Besançon realized two successful performances by Beethoven's ninth. The connection between the two orchestras shows the cultural cooperation and friendship between Mainz and Dijon.

a work full of emotions and symbolism

Mahler's ninth is first of all a profound musical reflection. It is often interpreted as a farewell to the age of romanticism and at the same time symbolizes the transition to modernity. In its complex structure, the symphony combines elements of farewell and departure. In this symphony, the orchestra unfolds an expressive orchestral language that moves in a area of tension between romanticism and the first delicate approaches of atonality. This dynamic is a fascinating aspect of performance, which will certainly captivate many listeners.

The four sentences of the symphony are profound and emotional. The first sentence sometimes addresses the mildness of death, while the second grabs the horror that comes from this concept. These contrasting emotions invite the audience to deal intensively with the topic of life and dying. In the third sentence, there is often a review of life before the fourth sentence finally results in a quiet and harmonious conclusion - a kind of peace foundation after dealing with such serious topics.

Another remarkable aspect are the recurring motifs that Mahler has taken from his children's death songs and Beethoven's piano sonata "Les Adieux". These connections create an additional emotional depth and reflect Mahler's own life and his disputes with loss and grief.

The performances on both concert evenings begin at 7 p.m. with an introduction, which the interested audience can visit. This introduction not only offers a deeper insight into the musical and emotional aspects of Mahler's work, but also creates a common expectation that can enrich the evening.

After the concert on September 20, all guests are cordially invited to a follow -up discussion in the glass house, where they have the opportunity to exchange ideas about the performance and share their impressions.

Tickets for this extraordinary concert are available both from the box office and online at Staatstheater-Mainz.com. This performance not only promises musical enjoyment, but also invites you to reflect on central issues of life. The special framework of the two orchestral partnerships and the associated cultural networking are also an important part of this artistic event.