GUSTAV MAHLER

“Writing a symphony is the same thing as creating the world”, said Austrian composer and conductor Gustav Mahler. After composing nine symphonies, he began writing the Tenth in the summer of 1910. Unfortunately, Mahler died on May 18, 1911 leaving only the first movement, Adagio,  completed and the rest of the work – in preliminary sketches. This symphony is often called the ‘great unfinished’. It was to consist of five movements, which the composer envisioned in the drafts as follows: Adagio, Scherzo, a short episode with an original title Purgatorio, the second Scherzo and the Finale. Although Adagio lasts a little over 20 minutes, it covers the full range of feelings. The symphonic score engages from the very first moment and fascinates with the impeccable sound of the orchestra. The music’s emotional load is expressed in contrasting but masterfully intertwined sections – love, joy, gentle memories of the past are replaced by pain, frustration, harsh reality. While working on this symphony, Mahler learned about the love affair between his wife and young architect Walter Gropius. He left the inscription in the margins of the manuscript: “To live for you! To die for you! Almschi!” Adagio became an epilogue to Mahler’s work and life.

The work, packed with tension and beauty, is performed by the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra. Modestas Pitrėnas, the artistic director and principal conductor of the orchestra, graces the podium.