Auditorium di Milano Fondazione Cariplo: Mahler Festival #7

About the Event

Immerse yourself in an extraordinary performance of Gustav Mahler's masterworks at the remarkable Auditorium Fondazione Cariplo in Milan. This experience will take you on a musical journey unlike any other, allowing you to witness Mahler's compositions in a whole new light.

The year 1901 marked a significant turning point in Mahler's life. He faced a period of illness and recovery, during which he completed his Fourth Symphony. In November of that year, he encountered Alma Schindler, a young woman who would eventually become his wife in 1902.

Meanwhile, in the realm of music, Mahler was developing a new concept of symphony, breaking away from the traditional connections to Lieder and explanatory programs. This evolution is evident in the Scherzo of his Fifth Symphony, which he began composing that summer. Furthermore, 1901 marked a shift away from his reliance on Des Knaben Wunderhorn, a popular and beloved collection of poetry, in favor of Friedrich Rückert's more artistically‐focused verses.

A crucial piece in this period of Mahler's career is the Kindertotenlieder, a cycle of songs inspired by Rückert's poems (preceded by others by the same poet). These songs, which explore the theme of grieving for deceased children, were penned between June 1901 (the first three) and summer 1904 (the last two). They received their premiere performance in Vienna on January 29, 1905.

Interestingly, Mahler composed these songs a full six years prior to the tragic death of his own four‐year‐old daughter, Maria. The composer seemed to almost prophesy this heartbreaking event, as he later wrote in his diary, Alma.

So, prepare to embark on a singular experience of Gustav Mahler's musical genius, exploring his remarkable works in the breathtaking setting of Milan's Auditorium Fondazione Cariplo. This performance will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression, allowing you to appreciate classical music in a way you never have before.