Gustav Mahler: Symphonies No. 3 & 7

Methodical work on major works of the repertoire has become an integral part of our study programme, not only for conductors.

In the upcoming winter semester, we will dedicate our exploration of form, Gestalt and the inner structure of composition to the first movements of Symphonies Nos. 3 & 7 by Gustav Mahler, one of the great and most distinctive creators of symphonic music.

Bruno Walter considered him one of the greatest architects of the symphony, which, for Mahler, “should embrace the whole world”. The judgement of some of his contemporaries was less enthusiastic. Klemperer, for example, only wanted to conduct Symphonies Nos. 2, 4, 7 and 9, and considered Bruckner the greater symphonist. Yet there is no doubt that Mahler stands among the great and most authentic symphonic creators, whose art of orchestration remains without precedent, and whose popularity seems to be growing and growing.

Whether his symphonic formal language constitutes a strength or a weakness - whether it is hypertrophic or overdetermined - may perhaps become clear in the course of our explorations which will mainly focus on the first movements of both symphonies.

• Analysis: The Observation of Form as Movement
• Melos, Tempo
• Problems of Instrumentation
• Stylistic aspects
• Rehearsal technique

• Note: Chapter II. from "The Observation of Form" is recommended as preparation for the method of study.

Schedule:

• Dates:
  • Wednesdays: Oct 7, 14,
  • Nov 11, 18, 25,
  • Dec 2, 9, 16,
  • Jan (Thursday) 7, Wednesday 13, eventually 28 - (short termed changes reserved)
  • From 8:30 p.m. - 10:15 p.m. Vienna time
  • (subject to short termed changes of schedule)

• The workshop is hold via Zoom and is designed for up to 25 participants (conductors, instrumentalists with or without interest in conducting are very welcome). No age limit.
• Workshop language: English, also German, Spanish, French and Italian
• Workshop fee: EUR 380
• For scholarship application please send us an email.