Miniature symphonies is an initiative created, promoted and registered by the Atlantic Symphony Orchestra since 2015 that brings the world of great symphonic works to those places that do not have a symphony orchestra on a regular basis. Through a reduced orchestral formation and, after a very refined maturation process over these years, Miniature symphonies has consolidated a way of interaction between musicians and the public that is as direct as it is original and satisfactory, rooted in the responsibility of creating very complex repertoires through small-format orchestral formations.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
With the premise of discovering great composers through the Ensemble or the “mini orchestra”, Arnold Schönberg developed this concept when he founded the Society for Private Musical Performances in Vienna (1918-21) and whose mission was to offer the public new and /or considered significant by Schönberg himself and his circle. Thus, the works of numerous composers, such as Gustav Mahler, Béla Bartók, Ferruccio Busoni, Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Richard Strauss and Igor Stravinsky, were included in the concert programs organized by the Society and performed by small instrumental groups with adaptations made. by Schönberg based on works from the great symphonic repertoire
FOUR SONGS
Alma María Mahler – Arr. Yónatan Sánchez-Santianes
Of Alma Mahler’s music, only the 16 lieder that he composed before he turned 20 remain, pieces that are still performed today. However,Alma Mahler’s legacy goes beyond her own music: She was a woman who challenged the conventions of her time, who used her creativity and ingenuity to inspire the men around her and who, like the great contemporary philosopher Lou Andreas-Salomé, claimed her freedom above all else.
His memoirs, his diaries, biographies like Alma Mahler. A Passionate Character (2020) by Cate Haste or the recently released film Alma Mahler, the Passion (2023) by director Dieter Berner, serve us not only to understand the ins and outs of such an important time for Europe, but also to get closer to the testimony of an extraordinary woman whose torrent of vital energy, unlike his music, could never be silenced.
FOURTH SYMPHONY in G M
Gustav Mahler – Arr. Iain Farrington/Adapt. Isabel Costes
1. Cheerful, thoughtful
2. In leisurely movement
3. Ruhevoll (Poco adagio)
4. Very comfortable
Arrangements of Gustav Mahler’s music for small ensembles have existed since Arnold Schönberg founded his Society for Private Musical Performances in Vienna in 1918. It was appropriate that Mahler had appeared in this way, since his music often has solo orchestration and contrapuntal, which points towards the minimalist sound world of Berg, Webern and Schönberg himself. Now that Mahler’s music is widely performed and heard, a new chamber arrangement may seem unnecessary. However, by retaining the character of the original and treating each performer as a soloist, Mahler’s exposed and chamber writing can be realized successfully. Listening to the clarity of individual lines can reveal hidden aspects of the score, adding intimacy to the performing and listening experience, as well as allowing these monumental works to be performed in smaller venues without enormous financial limitations.
This arrangement consciously avoids recreating Schönberg’s instrumentation and instead aims to create a full orchestral picture with few performers using the instruments from Mahler’s score.
The original soprano part is preserved without modifications.
2024-02-09 18:10:44
#MAHLER #UNIVERSAL
