Iván Fischer: Gustav Mahler Symphony No. 6

Iván Fischer, Music Director of the Budapest Festival Orchestra, walks us through the symphonies of Gustav Mahler. He shares his thoughts and feelings about each work, answering your questions and listening to his recording of these masterpieces.
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Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 6 with Iván Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra:
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[@leestamm3187]

Maestro Fischer has a rare understanding of Mahler's music and always communicates it eloquently. The 6th is a unique work that is not so much enjoyed as simply experienced. There is nothing else like it. And I also much prefer the scherzo as the 2nd movement.

[@ibizaking]

good to see, that he also thinks, the scherzo is the 2nd movement.

[@amoswittenbergsmusings]

I suffer chronic depression and Mahler's music offers solace. In moments of crisis I play M2 and cling to "Bereite dich zu leben!" or turn to Das Lied or M9. I haven't listened to M6 for many years now although every note is engraved on my diseased mind. I can only dream of M6 with the Adagio as the finale but unfortunately that is merely a dream. My ex-wife hated Mahler and I can totally see her point. Now I will take my medication: Schubert's An Die Music, Kein’ Musik ist ja nicht auf Erden, die unsrer verglichen kann werden is a double-edged sword. Some things are just too hard to live with but ultimately what counts is to die a good death and not to have an easy life. There is no nobility in depression. I envy Gustav Mahler for his courage and for the love that he could embrace despite the demons that he expressed in his Sixth. Was du geschlagen, zu Gott wird es dich tragen!

[@nealhines4476]

Just a wonderful analysis....so true and honest to the music....

[@jasonorchids]

Another amazing walkthrough. Great commentary! Thanks!

[@andrewle4227]

very cute dog by the way

[@yp3424]

The famous dutch conductor and Mahler-admirer, Wil. Mengelberg,before performing the 6th sym., had a little debate with his widow Alma. He wrote her what the maestro preferred: "Erstens,Scherzo, dann Andante, herzlichst Alma."

[@Fernwald84]

Interesting story about Walter's refusal to conduct the 6th. Walter didn't have the same reservation about Tchaikovsky's own 6th which, like Mahler's ends irrevocably in a threnody.

[@cdavid3367]

Really want to hear you to play the whole 6th by piano.

[@d.j.j.g]

And he wakes the dog at 11:15----

[@d.j.j.g]

And the dog lays its head down again at 12:39. I admire someone who has a dog!--and obviously loves it, as here, with Mr. Fischer.

[@saschar5609]

So, no Brahms #4 then?