Stupidly Excited- Mahler 8th Symphony

[ElliotViola]

Just wanted to share that I'm performing Mahler's 8th Symphony ('Symphony of a Thousand') with the Duet Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall tomorrow. I have the good fortune to be playing Co-Principal Viola! Very pleased, and cannot wait to perform this epic work.

It's rarely heard, and having played it I can truly see why - it's bloody difficult!

Not heard it properly before (recordings cannot seem to do it justice and so I had a dim view of it), and on hearing it for the first time live as part of the orchestra, I have since decided to include it among my favourite works.

[bhodges]

One of my favorite pieces of classical music - and an overwhelming experience heard live. Despite its difficulties, have a great time tomorrow!

--Bruce

[Cato]

Good for you!

For more information about this student orchestra:

http://www.duetfinance.co.uk/foundation.php

More recently, we have developed the Duet Philharmonic Orchestra and Choirs comprising the best students from around the United Kingdom who come together for extensive residential rehearsals culminating in performances of some of the great symphonic and operatic repertoire.

[madaboutmahler]

You're enjoying rubbing it in, aren't you, Elliot? 

Seriously, enjoy every second! Performing a work like this in such a venue could surely become an experience one cherishes for the rest of their lives.

[kishnevi]

How I wish I was you!   

Who is conducting?

I can understand why you might not be impressed after hearing recordings: it's a very hard work to pull off, with so many disparate elements and performers, and therefore easily fudged up when it comes to recording the piece.  I've got a number of recordings, and almost all of them have at least one thing that keeps them from perfection.

[The new erato]

Duet Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall tomorrow. I have the good fortune to be playing Co-Principal Viola!

So the Duet is two violas?   

[ElliotViola]

How I wish I was you!   

Who is conducting?

Me.



(It was Ronald Corp, OBE. A very fine conductor and composer, t'was amazing to play under the baton of such a distinguished musician!)

I can understand why you might not be impressed after hearing recordings: it's a very hard work to pull off, with so many disparate elements and performers, and therefore easily fudged up when it comes to recording the piece.  I've got a number of recordings, and almost all of them have at least one thing that keeps them from perfection.

I take back everything I said about not liking it, it is the most incredible piece I think I've played. I am not sure about recording, but I love it as a live work!

Good for you!

For more information about this student orchestra:

http://www.duetfinance.co.uk/foundation.php

Apparently, this is the first time in history that it has been performed by a youth orchestra and choir (even bolstered by professionals)... Seeing and hearing the score today, I can tell exactly why.

So the Duet is two violas?   

There is a solo for the front desk, which I was on, so technically yes. although sadly not on the scale of a Mahler Symphony!

[kishnevi]

Apparently, this is the first time in history that it has been performed by a youth orchestra and choir (even bolstered by professionals)... Seeing and hearing the score today, I can tell exactly why.

Not sure if that's true.  Look on Youtube and you'll find a performance conducted by Simon Rattle with an all-Britain youth orchestra  (don't have the time to dig out the Youtube myself and therefore I don't remember the real name) at the Proms a few years ago.  (Although I'm not sure about the choirs, so perhaps it is the first by a youth orchestra and youth choir.)

At any rate, congratulations on what sounds like a fine achievement.  If any clips show up on Youtube, especially of that viola solo, please let us know.