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Dan Coren
Now batting for Gustav Mahler....
DAN COREN
I just received an email from the Orchestra announcing the nuttiest program substitution I’ve ever heard of.
“Thomas Quasthoff has withdrawn from his performances of Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder with The Philadelphia Orchestra on January 17, 18, 19, and 20 due to a bronchial infection,” the announcement reads. The Mahler song cycle— perhaps his grimmest and most neurotically conceived work– was to be paired with Bruckner’s Ninth, a symphony that really doesn’t need a companion at all.
So, let’s see … What piece would be suitable for an audience that was expecting Kindertotenlieder— an audience anticipating late Romantic angst and depth? Perhaps the Adagietto from Mahler’s Fifth? Or Barber’s Adagio for Strings? Or … I know! Let’s do the Vivaldi Four Seasons!
What in the world are they thinking?
To read a response, click here.
DAN COREN
I just received an email from the Orchestra announcing the nuttiest program substitution I’ve ever heard of.
“Thomas Quasthoff has withdrawn from his performances of Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder with The Philadelphia Orchestra on January 17, 18, 19, and 20 due to a bronchial infection,” the announcement reads. The Mahler song cycle— perhaps his grimmest and most neurotically conceived work– was to be paired with Bruckner’s Ninth, a symphony that really doesn’t need a companion at all.
So, let’s see … What piece would be suitable for an audience that was expecting Kindertotenlieder— an audience anticipating late Romantic angst and depth? Perhaps the Adagietto from Mahler’s Fifth? Or Barber’s Adagio for Strings? Or … I know! Let’s do the Vivaldi Four Seasons!
What in the world are they thinking?
To read a response, click here.
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