Gewandhausorchester, Franz Welser‐Möst: Mahler's 5th at Gewandhaus
About the Event
In Leipzig's beloved Gewandhaus, hear the Gewandhaus Orchestra under the baton of Franz Welser‐Möst for a captivating performance of Mahler's masterwork.
Mahler's Fifth is unique — therefore it cannot be compared with anything. It is comprehensive — therefore not to be measured by anything. It opens dimensions into which neither words nor numbers penetrate — therefore it cannot be reduced to this. It encompasses irreconcilable opposites: a shattering funeral march and a sentimental Adagietto, musical hellish noise and the reflection of heavenly harmony, playing with 'the greatest vehemence' and 'without expression' (is that possible?), future scenario and memory of something never heard before (Adorno). With such paradoxical formulations, which explode linguistic illusions of certainty and stringency, one perhaps comes closest to Mahler's music. For — in Mahler's words — all art‐making is related to irritability.
Practical Information
Due to its history, the Gewandhaus Orchestra stands for civic engagement in a special way. With a view to the challenges of the present and the community‐building, inspiring and transformative potential of music, it has launched a democracy initiative in 2022. On pressing issues of justice, resources, media, institutions, education, identity, resilience and faith, public and cultural figures engage in dialogue with each other, with the audience and with musical performances.
'Resonance' is the motto above the musically inspired, culturally initiated discussion of basic values, understanding of democracy and social togetherness. We invite you to join in the discussion at round tables and to experimentally explore and musically experience political, sociological, acoustic and interpersonal facets of resonance in workshops and performances. Inspired by musical artworks, we open spaces for voices of the present and for ideas that strengthen the common good — in exchange between all those who want to help shape society.
