The shimmering presence of god, the elemental rise of nature from deep beneath, man lost looking into eternity, awakening of all senses — all these and more came vividly alive in the Budapest Festival Orchestra’s Mahler 3 led by Ivan Fischer on Thursday night at Koerner Hall.

​

This six-movement giant of a symphony poses much challenge to performers and audiences alike. As Mahler intended to construct the world in this symphony, the stamina and technical facility required to play this capricious music is incredible — there is no real break for anyone along this nearly two-hour journey.

​

Both children’s choir and women’s choir must keep their composure, and stay patient on stage for a good hour until they get to bring in the grace of god, as tolling bells. The incredible alto solo is a meditation in both control and boundless expression, requiring breath that seems to last through an entire lifetime of human search.

​

The hall was packed, with a few musicians and choristers spilling out onto the audience area this evening. A rare sold-out house since the pandemic, the audience buzzed with excitement and chatter.

​

However, at the first downbeat from Fischer, the house was entranced by the magic that BFO poured out for the next 100+ minutes.

​

…

​

What did the Man tell? Through the shimmering undulation, Gerhild Romberger delivered the questioning thoughts from Nietzsche with a warm, commanding voice, as the awe for life gently supported her, leading us into the revelation — a joyful one, with bells and angels. Sharing much material with Mahler 4, the choirs, drawn from the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and Toronto Children’s Chorus, were wonderfully resonant with great diction, creating a light hearted, trusting joy in god.

​

Click here to read the full article: Ludwig van Toronto