Marin Alsop conducts Mahler’s Fifth Symphony

Marin Alsop, our Principal Guest Conductor, and singer Sasha Cooke delve into the rich emotional world of Gustav and Alma Mahler.

From its sinister opening trumpet fanfare to the joyful affirmation of the finale, Mahler’s Fifth Symphony packs quite a punch. Perhaps the best-loved music he wrote, the Adagietto at its heart is ten minutes of pure, heartwrenching beauty from strings and harp. The story goes that Mahler sent a copy of this movement to his future wife Alma as a declaration of love, and they were engaged soon after.

This wasn’t his first musical love letter though – years earlier he’d written Blumine for another flame. Initially a movement in his first symphony, he deleted it after only a few performances and it is now mostly heard as a standalone piece. The singing melody threaded through it gives our Principal Trumpet the chance to show their gentler side.

Alma Mahler’s music is less well known than her husband’s – not least because in the early years of their relationship he insisted that she give up composing. Her refined and moving songs are well worth discovering. Tonight’s selection of songs from the 14 that survive showcase the ‘sonorous and expressive’ (Opera News) voice of Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke.

There will be surtitles showing the English translation of the Alma Mahler songs. These are not visible from seats in the choir.