Saturday, December 16, 2023

Program

On this program we marked Ludwig van Beethoven’s birthday on the 16 th of December with a show dedicated to Mahler and the great composer from Bonn who made his home and career in his adopted city of Vienna.

Mahler showed a lifelong reverence for Beethoven, who by the end of the 19th century had attained an iconic stature in the world of music and arts. Beyond his admiration, Mahler engaged with his idol as a conductor, as an arranger, and as a composer in his own right.

We have been joined by Beethoven scholar, John Wilson, as we discussed these and other connections between the two masters. To take but one example: What motivated Mahler’s retouching of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony? What are the audible differences? And how did Mahler defend himself against the public outcry at this artistic intervention?

We explore, as well, Mahler on the podium and the influence of Beethoven on some of his own symphonies.

Play now and join us for this birthday celebration as we take a closer look Mahler’s Beethoven!

Hosted by Morten Solvik