Afternoon Concert

Ideal subject matter for the curious: Gustav Mahler’s Seventh Symphony, with which Riccardo Chailly and his Lucerne Festival Orchestra will open the Summer Festival, poses an enigma. It begins with dark and pessimistic music, only to culminate in a spirit of oversize optimism and jubilation. How does all this cohere? Mahler was interested in building an entire world with his symphonies — and that includes both the bright and the dark sides of life. Which is why, in the Seventh, he juxtaposes relentless marching rhythms with visions of paradise. Ghosts are heard giggling maliciously, only to be followed by the lilting blitz of a waltz. Gothic Romanticism comes into play in the Scherzo’s dance of death, while sweetly amorous voices emerge in the Andante amoroso, with its delicate harp, mandolin, and guitar accompaniment. In the finale, Mahler at last pulls out all the stops and celebrates with pounding timpani and fanfares, a jubilant chorale, and tolling bells. Since it was founded over 20 years ago, the Lucerne Festival Orchestra has been a top-rank Mahler orchestra. More than a hundred performers offer a spectacle for the ears. And of course there will be plenty to see as well.