Mahler: Symphony No 1
It was during his time as Chief Conductor in Dresden in the 1970s that Herbert Blomstedt discovered Mahler’s music. He was fascinated both by the music itself and by its connections to the Jewish folk music tradition:
“Mahler’s first symphony has a theme from a Jewish folksong, which I perceived as an equivalent of Beethoven’s picture of folk life, adapted for a symphonic context. And I saw how brilliantly orchestrated it was! Since then, I love his music.”
Mahler’s First Symphony contains a theme drawn from Jewish folk music, which I saw as a parallel to Beethoven’s depiction of everyday life, woven into a symphonic setting. And I realised just how beautifully orchestrated it was! I have loved his music ever since.”
The concert was recorded at Gothenburg Concert Hall in April 2019.
About Herbert Blomstedt
Herbert Blomstedt holds a very special place in the history of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. He grew up in Gothenburg and became a faithful visitor to the Concert Hall as a teenager. In 1954 he conducted his first concert with the orchestra.
He conducted more than 60 concerts with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra over seven decades, characterized by musical integrity, curiosity and a deep love for music. In 2006, he was named an Honorary Member of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra by its musicians.
