Mahler expanded the orchestra to huge proportions, going beyond the already inflated forces of Wagner. But Mahler simultaneously achieved a striking delicacy and transparency by using solo instruments to create “chamber music” in the midst of his massive musical canvases. He drew his inspiration from the simple tunes of his childhood, military marches, folk songs, and village dances. But he also used the Viennese traditions of Beethoven, Schubert, and the Imperial Viennese waltz. He treated all of these elements as pieces of a mosaic, and placed them in a sophisticated symphonic frame. His great range of artistic expression and his choice to empower the instrumentalists with wonderful solo passages revolutionized music.

It’s true that musicians get excited about playing Mahler in a way that can’t be compared to other composers. Their Mahler experiences stand out – their first awed encounters with his music and their experiences performing it. Mahler demands constant attention from the musicians and pushes them to their limits of physical endurance. So it makes sense to let the musicians themselves talk about Mahler and explain not only why it’s electrifying to play his music, but why so many listeners identify Mahler as one of their favorite composers.

This podcast features Michael Shih, Concertmaster, Ana Victoria Luperi, Principal Clarinet, Mark Houghton, Principal Horn, Steve Wegel, Principal Trumpet, Ron Wilson, Principal Trombone, Kathryn Perry, Violin, and Brian Perry, Bass.

The Fort Worth Symphony’s Mahler Cycle at Bass Hall opens August 23, 2007, with “The Man Behind the Music,” a spectacular multimedia experience led by Professor Carol Reynolds and featuring selections from Mahler’s vocal works with mezzo-soprano Jill Grove and pianist John Churchwell.

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