Jubiläumskonzert

A big anniversary. The Sinfonieorchester Basel is celebrating its anniversary: 150 years! And it is doing so with nothing less than a symphony that aims to depict the ‘world as a whole’. Gustav Mahler's 3rd Symphony spans a huge arc from the realm of plants, animals and humans to the boundless love that can perhaps only be found in the afterlife. It is a dream of the world, said Mahler's confidant, the conductor Bruno Walter. And around 1900, dreaming also included trivialities, echoes of tavern music or marches and a cuckoo song. Contrasts! The admonishing alto solo ‘Oh Mensch! Take heed!’ to the words of Friedrich Nietzsche, a carefree, lilting chorus of angels follows. And the solemn final movement, which brings everything to a happy ending. Or beyond.