Chorus pro Musica joined Benjamin Zander and the Boston Philharmonic to perform Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “The Resurrection.” From the BPO’s concert introduction:
A live performance of Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony is always more than a concert—it is a communal experience. This overwhelming, heaven-storming symphony takes the listener on a long journey towards an exalted destination. It starts by laying the hero of Mahler’s First Symphony, the Titan, to rest, with a shatteringly dramatic, annihilating funeral march. And then the rest of the symphony builds a new pathway to hope and ultimate affirmation. In the second and third movements a critical eye scans both the beauty and the absurdity of this world. And in the final two movements the transition is effected from earthly striving and insufficiency to heavenly fulfillment. There is no work in the repertory, none whatsoever, that so completely unites performers and audience in a transformative musical affirmation.
Boston Classical Review: “Zander led the orchestra, guest chorus, and a fine lineup of soloists in a radiant rendition of Mahler’s luminous Symphony No. 2. With its ecstatic journey from death to resurrection, the work was fitting for the Easter holiday… Chorus pro Musica, prepared by Jamie Kirsch, sang the final movement with soft radiance, the voices coming off with sharp clarity.”
The Boston Globe: “In March 1979, the late Claudio Abbado led the BSO in a trio of magical performances of Gustav Mahler’s Second Symphony, the “Resurrection.” I never expected to hear a live reading to rival those, but on Good Friday, in Symphony Hall, I did, from Benjamin Zander and his Boston Philharmonic. It was the best live Mahler Second I’ve heard over the past 38 years, and the best performance I’ve ever heard from Zander.”