I have been sitting listening to a performance of the Mahler 3rd, unable to type, or to read, or to do anything else. The symphony ends with an incredible heartrending slow movement. And Mahler slow movements can destroy one's reserve, completely. The adagietto of the 5th is incredible.
I have had a stressful day, dealing with attempting to get Blue Commonwealth back up (we are close - probably Friday) as a community blog for Virginia politics. And stress at school - in one class I have two student being expelled.
But then I listen to music. And then the world becomes a different place.
Allow me to share what I mean.
Let's start with that Adagietto:
or perhaps it will be the end of the Symphony of a Thousand, as the 8th is so often called:
The end of the Resurrection, the 2nd:
the end of his Tragic symphony, the 6th:
Mahler was a strange soul in many ways. Born a Jew, he became a serious Catholic. Perhaps one of the greatest opera conductors of all time, he never wrote an opera. He clearly understood the human voice, as is shown in much of his music, including the vocal parts of his symphony.
I was late in learning to appreciate Mahler. But tonight, as I was tired, exhausted, drained, I turned on my radio at home in time to hear the end of of the 3rd symphony.
For the time I listened I did nothing else but listen - except to call my wife also to listen.
So I share with you a performance of that music. Perhaps as Mahler drained and yet elevated me, you too can experience the magic of his music:
Peace.