Artist Date for the Week
It was a while since I had an Artist’s Date. This is my favourite advice from Julia Cameron’s The Artist Way that has stuck with me. Due to a busy private schedule lately, I have not had time to finalise the book, but I still like to go for an artist date. Last week gave me a very good opportunity to do something cultural that I really love.
Our concert hall was inviting for an evening with Gustav Mahler’s 4th Symphony. I am not familiar with Mahler’s music at all, so it was a good opportunity to learn more. I bought a last minute ticket (it is always possible to get one ticket even if you are late with booking).
Gustav Mahler (1860-1911)
Mahler was an Austrian composer and conductor, widely regarded as one of the last great symphonists of the late Romantic era. He worked in an era where Romanticism turned into what would be modernism. He spent much of his career as a conductor—most notably at the Vienna Court Opera—and composed primarily during his summer retreats. His dual life helps explain the extraordinary detail in his orchestration and his deep understanding of musical drama, says those who understand these kind of things. I just listen to the music and enjoy the handicraft.
Symphony No. 4
Symphony No. 4 in G major was completed in 1900, and seems to stand apart from his earlier symphonies in several key ways: It is shorter and has a lighter, more classical feel. Sometimes compared to Mozart or Haydn.
The final movement contains a song titled “Das himmlische Leben” (“The Heavenly Life”) and is song by a soprano. The text presents heaven as seen through the eyes of a child. I am personally not a big fan of singing during symphonies (exception Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Song of Joy), but it gives another dimension to the symphony.
All in all, I am very happy with this particular Artist date. I hope to hear more by Gustav Mahler.
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