A Fistful of Mahlers

027: A Fistful of Mahlers

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For this episode, Akiko and I just had a one-word outline: Mahler! And it turns out we had plenty to say about his symphonies. What’s it like to learn them, refine them, rehearse them, take them on tour? What do committees look for when you play Mahler?

Hear about the time Akiko was mortified to play Mahler 9 with David Hyde Pierce (Frasier‘s Niles Crane) in the front row! Or the time Nathan got a death stare from Daniel Barenboim during… well, also during Mahler 9!

And as to Nathan’s comment that Gustav Mahler was perhaps the New York Philharmonic’s first music director? He was actually its ninth! Nathan was under the misapprehension that the NY Phil began around the same time as so many other American orchestras, in the early part of the 20th century… in fact, New York got its start in 1848, whereas Mahler wasn’t born until 1860! Mahler spent the last two years of his life, 1909-1911, at the helm of the Philharmonic.

6 thoughts on “027: A Fistful of Mahlers”

  1. Hi Nathan and Akiko,
    I haven’t listened yet, but can’t wait. I love Niles from Frasier!
    I once read a book about the history of American orchestras. I really enjoyed this, especially early stories about the small communities that started our now major orchestras.
    Nathan got a death stare? I feel so much better. My son is campaigning for me to try for a substitute list for the Cleveland Orchestra. But I am terrified of Franz Welser Most! What if I played in a rest? I would forever be…she who played in the rest!

  2. I think I will listen to all of the Mahler Symphonies now. I have played number 1 only. I heard the Cleveland Orchestra play the one with the huge hammer. Which one has a huge hammer?

  3. Really enjoyable. I especially appreciated the way you included short segments from the Mahler symphony you were discussing! I’ll be listening to Mahler for days now!!! Thx.

  4. Okay, Mahler’s Sixth: I had been well prepared to attend this concert, and had been told where the big hammer would be in the music. No matter. I jumped out of my seat!
    The Cleveland Orchestra is playing 4 and 5 this year. I am planning to go hear them.
    Meanwhile, I am listening at home, starting with 1.

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