Mahler: Symphony No. 7

Pierre Boulez leads the Concertgebouworkest in Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 7. After the ‘Tragic’ Sixth, Mahler seems to have rediscovered his zest for life in his Seventh Symphony.

Mahler’s Symphony No. 7

Gustav Mahler goes through a process of purification and catharsis in his Symphony No. 7. The piece also portrays his victory over a creative block.The development of the ‘hero’ begins in the Seventh Symphony with a fluctuation between contrasting emotions and, after nocturnal visions in the central movements, erupts into triumphant victory in the finale. At the very end Mahler sets off a grand firework display with the full forces of the brass and percussion.

Pierre Boulez, conductor

Pierre Boulez debuted with the Concertgebouworkest in 1960. The French composer and conductor was one of the leading figures in music during the period following World War II. Between 1977 and 1992 Boulez concentrated primarily on the founding and direction of IRCAM in Paris, an institute for research into sound and electro-acoustical music. At the same time he also founded the Ensemble Intercontemporain. He has received countless awards and decorations, including 26 Grammy Awards. Pierre Boulez passed away in 2016.

 

Mahler’s Symphony No. 7

Gustav Mahler goes through a process of purification and catharsis in his Symphony No. 7. The piece also portrays his victory over a creative block.The development of the ‘hero’ begins in the Seventh Symphony with a fluctuation between contrasting emotions and, after nocturnal visions in the central movements, erupts into triumphant victory in the finale. At the very end Mahler sets off a grand firework display with the full forces of the brass and percussion.

Pierre Boulez, conductor

Pierre Boulez debuted with the Concertgebouworkest in 1960. The French composer and conductor was one of the leading figures in music during the period following World War II. Between 1977 and 1992 Boulez concentrated primarily on the founding and direction of IRCAM in Paris, an institute for research into sound and electro-acoustical music. At the same time he also founded the Ensemble Intercontemporain. He has received countless awards and decorations, including 26 Grammy Awards. Pierre Boulez passed away in 2016.

 

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