Susan Graham, mezzo-soprano. Image via SSO.
Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 is clearly his grandest achievement. It is sweeping in its vision of life, love, and the divine; enormous in its orchestral and vocal demands and vast in its scale. At around one hour and forty-five minutes, it is the longest symphony in the classical canon, and that alone makes it challenging to perform.
David Robertson, the SSO’s own artistic director and chief conductor, gave an authentic reading, allowing Mahler to do the talking. And Mahler has plenty to say, utilising expanded sections for woodwinds, brass, and percussion, and even doubling up with two harps and two timpani.
It is clear that Mahler is a man who knows how to make a noise. And with a piece that says so much – musically and metaphorically – the conductor is almost a referee, balancing the multiple and often competing elements. Robertson displayed a deep understanding of the work and delighted with his expressive conducting and fluent stick-work.
There were musical highlights aplenty, from the stirring trumpet and trombone solos, to the superb contributions by the flutes, oboes and full complement of eight horns. The oboes, led by Diana Doherty, were especially tender. The strings were also in eloquent form, with some superb work from concertmaster Andrew Haveron.
If there can be a criticism, it is perhaps a little hesitancy or uncertainty in some of the quieter passages, leading to a smudgy effect and a diminution of contrasts. Apart from that minor observation, this was a sterling performance.
The musicians were joined on stage later in the work by American mezzo-soprano Susan Graham and two choirs: the Women’s Voices of Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and the Sydney Children’s Choir. Graham has a particular passion for Mahler and this affection showed in her effortless performance. I’m certain Inspector Morse would have sent flowers!
The two choirs were both confident and competent, giving a their lines energy and clarity. The children’s choir fully embraced their heavenly ‘bim-bam’ chorus.
The radiant final movement, played ‘slowly, with serenity, expressively’ was a wonderful conclusion to an enthralling performance.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Mahler 3: Heartwarming Voices
Program
MAHLER: Symphony No.3
Artist Information
DAVID ROBERTSON – conductor
SUSAN GRAHAM – mezzo-soprano
WOMEN’S VOICES OF SYDNEY PHILHARMONIA CHOIRS
SYDNEY CHILDREN’S CHOIR
Presented by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, July 19 – 24th, 2017
