Dvořák's Cello Concerto and Mahler's 1st Symphony

EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF THE CELLO UNLEASHED IN DVOŘÁK’S LANDMARK CONCERTO, AND THE ERUPTION OF NATURE IN MAHLER’S ‘TITAN’ SYMPHONY.

Oscillating between potent moments of light and dark, Antonín Dvořák’s cello concerto reflects a tumultuous time in the composer’s life. Having moved to America several years earlier, Dvořák had become somewhat of a celebrity in the ‘New World’, touring the entire country and writing some of his most renowned compositions. However, his triumphs were shadowed by an insatiable yearning for his Czech homeland, and the news that his beloved sister-in-law, Josefina, had fallen ill and that her health was rapidly declining. From these uncertain times, his cello concerto was born.

To bring to life this impassioned work is cellist Ayla Mascarenhas. A former student of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Mascarenhas is a versatile musician who has occupied a number of roles in professional orchestras and chamber ensembles in London where she currently resides.

Mahler’s earliest symphony, originally conceived as a tone poem, is home to a universe of colourful expressions, ranging from the opaque to the obvious. Opening with an impressive and eerie sound “as if from nature itself”, Mahler conjures up vivid images from offstage hunting parties to singing clarinet ‘cuckoos’, whilst also maintaining a vivid spirit of mystery that drives the music to its triumphant and fiery finale.

Presented by Edinburgh City Orchestra