Risen again: MTT conducts Mahler 2nd
OrchestrasA packed Barbican Hall tonight experienced the miracle of Mahler’s second symphony made all the more miraculous by the conducting of Michael Tilson Thomas, who has survived brain cancer.
This was MTT’s gift to London and the world for his upcoming 80th birthday, and it went back a long way. MTT once rehearsed the chorus for Leonard Bernstein. To say he has this piece in his bones is something of an understatement.
The architecture was immaculate – ninety minutes of life, death and everything inbetween, delicately veering from tension to tenderness and back. The conductor’s movements were restrained, not so much by his condition as by the awareness that no more was needed than a gesture here, a finger-flutter there. The LSO and MTT know eacxh other well enough over more than 30 years to need no more.
That said, there were quite a few subs in the ranks and, while the strings were immaculate, the brass did not always shine. Alice Coote was beyond celestial in the Urlicht; her volume control is the best of any current mezzo. Siobhan Stagg soared sweetly in the soprano solos. But the accolades belonged to MTT, a maestro who defied death and came back to tell us the tale. To even the most jaded Mahlerian ears, this was a truly uplifting performance.
This is excellent news!!
Why is the fact that MTT rehearsed the chorus for Bernstein relevant? Bernstein wasn’t Mahler.
This is by far the stupidest comment I have ever read on Slippedisc.
I presume that the point is that MTT has lived with the Mahler 2nd for many decades — since Lenny’s heyday 60 years ago.
I agree, that presupposes Bernstein was a faithful or authoritative interpreter of Mahler, which even his biggest fans have to admit he is not, Bernstein’s Mahler is more Bernstein than Mahler.
Was it video recorded for posterity (meaning me)?
How appropriate was the work – the Resurrection Symphony! Wonderful news Maestro, and long may you live and conduct.
I think it was said by Tim Jones principal LSO horn, that with Mahler 2 in the last movement, there’s usually some near catastrophe – it’s just a question of where.
A very welcome read. For fans of MTT (or of Delius) may I suggest his recording of On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring? He didn’t do much English music but this is so seductive I am tempted to suggest that Beecham and Barbirolli have got a run for their money, a deliciously distant cuckoo (for once) and a killer oboe player! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzTvjhucZIg
Lovely! Thanx for the link, i’d’ve never suspuct it.
Always good to see the thumbs downs for this kind of comment – either they don’t like Delius (say so) or they don’t like MTT (likely) or they don’t like me (highly likely).
It is wonderful to see that MTT appears to be doing better and is continuing to conduct. I saw him with Chicago late last year and was very, very worried.
Bravo, Maestro. You are an inspiration.
The LSO had many subs, due to returning from a three week intense Asian Tour. As usual, two free days on return then LSO calls minimum 12 a week. Plus sickness due to virus going thru the orchestra.
Amazing Mahler 2 with equally loved MTT!
American/ European orchestras don’t know they are born with their work conditions.
Sometimes there is also miraculous good news on SD.
What a touching story….
Mahler & resilience go together quite well.
Is his cancer in remission or is he just tough as nails?
It’s remarkable how he’s managed the past 5 years or so since he was diagnosed. My best friend’s uncle died of the same cancer (glioblastoma) this week, age 73. Diagnosed in February of this year, had surgery, radiation, chemo, etc. and made it less than a year. Brutal.
“The LSO and MTT know eacxh other well enough over more than 30 years to need no more.”
I would say 40 years at least. That Mahler 3th was recorded for CBS in 1987, so the first meeting was previously for sure.
Indeed. MTT debuted with the LSO in 1970, was appointed Principal Conductor in 1987.
This was a truly spectacular and well crafted performance, and the love and admiration for MTT was shown from stage and audience. Definitely a Mahler 2 to remember and cherish.
Bravo Maestro!
Hear, hear !