Performance on 3 - Mahler Symphony Cycle - Episode 1

Presented by Petroc Trelawny. The first of a major series of concerts for the next ten Monday evenings on Performance on 3, featuring the ongoing series of Mahler's Symphonies performed by Manchester's orchestras at the Bridgewater Hall, celebrating 150 years since Mahler's birth. At his meeting with Sibelius in 1907, Mahler declared 'the symphony must be like the world. It must embrace everything.' Growing up in the Moravian countryside instilled in him a lifelong love of nature, while other influences included dance bands and military music from the local barracks. Julian Johnson joins Petroc Trelawny to discuss the recurring themes of joy, fear, love and death which may have been rooted in Mahler's autobiography, but which have a resonance to this day. Kurt Schwertsik: Nachtmusiken (BBC commission, world premiere) Mahler: Symphony no.1 BBC Philharmonic conducted by Gianandrea Noseda Followed by a focus on Mahler songs: Mahler - Kindertotenlieder Thomas Quasthoff (baritone) Dresden Staatskapelle conducted by Zubin Mehta. Recording provided by the European Broadcasting Union Followed by: Bach arr. Mahler - Suite Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Riccardo Chailly (conductor) Decca 4706522