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Mahler triumph in Glasgow

15/03/2010

World class RSNO hit right notes at Royal Concert Hall

Royal Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Stephane Deneve
Mahler Symphony No. 6

 
In recent months Glasgow audiences have been treated to some outstanding performances of orchestral music: Mahler's 1st, Shostakovich's 7th and 10th have all been notable. Tonight the only item on the programme is Mahler's 6th – a complex symphony which even yet, after more than 100 years, remains a challenge to any orchestra. 
 
The 1st movement gives a foretaste of what is to come. With so many emotional and thematic ideas swirling about it is almost a mini symphony in itself. The martial theme which opens the movement and continues to bubble throughout giving a sense of foreboding to even to the most lyrical passages is played with great clarity and control, the glorious harmonies underpinned by secure brass and a rock solid string section with the cellos outstanding. The movement is imbued with a passion and energy and if there is a shrillness to the playing of the woodwinds in the ferocious fortissimos, it is a minor flaw which only adds to the overall feeling of anguish and impending doom.
 
The slow movement brings no respite from the terrors of the 1st movement. Even here Mahler does not seem at ease although the lustrous strings have a yearning, questioning quality which is the essence of the composer.

The scherzo which follows is problematic with even Mahler unsure whether it should be placed before or after the slow movement. The real problem is that it is weak and uneven with lumbering, mechanical rhythms.
 
The epic and dramatic finale with its shocks, fanfares and wild energy re-unites us with the martial beat of the first movement. In some minds it encapsulates Mahler's view of the fate of mankind; his wife Alma thought it was his pessimistic view of his own fate. Either way, the famous "Hammer Blows of Fate" – massive blows on the timpani and percussion – are genuinely heart stopping. Throughout the RSNO play with intense, controlled power and when the movement appears to be fading away, the unexpected shocking fortissimo brings it to a stunning conclusion.

Some might argue that Deneve's approach is one dimensional with its no nonsense clarity and discipline but it pays real dividends. This is a symphony which can easily blow up in the conductor's face but the orchestra and he remain n the same wavelength throughout. For those who like rock or punk for its "in your face" attitude and who think the Velvet Underground plumb the depths of despair, this is the symphony for you. It is tough, aggressive and uncompromising and in live performance, played by an orchestra at the top of its form and sounding genuinely world class, it makes for a wonderful experience.

As Frank Sinatra used to sing – "this is a lovely way to spend an evening".

Alex Graham
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