ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony, deservedly one of the most popular of all classical compositions, is a work I have conducted many times, always with the deepest affection and always amazed anew at its endless beauty.

Das Lied von der Erde (The Song of the Earth), Mahler’s supreme creation for voice and orchestra and one of his most beloved works, is a setting of six Chinese poems in German translation that reflect preoccupations that Mahler held throughout his life: the transi­toriness of earthly things, the intoxication of love, the horrifying irony with which death mocks all human endeavor, and the ulti­mate need of everyone to surrender his attachments to this world and accept what is to come. Neither Mahler nor anyone else ever composed music of more poignant beauty than the “Abschied” (Farewell) the long final movement of this symphonic song cycle.   –Benjamin Zander

This is a live concert that will be live streamed! Be sure to read through our support page for Boston Philharmonic virtual events.

Franz Schubert Symphony No. 8 in B minor, D. 759

• Begun in 1822 Symphony No. 8 is best known as Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony because he only composed two movements for it.
• Scholars debate about why Symphony No. 8 was unfinished including suggestions that Schubert was busy with his Wanderer Fantasy for solo piano. Read more about the history of this piece.

Gustav Mahler Das Lied von der Erde (“The Song of the Earth”)

• The Boston Philharmonic will be joined by mezzo-soprano, Dame Sarah Connolly. The Times, London praises her “it was the mezzo Sarah Connolly who sang straight from the heart. I won’t forget her final Der Abschied: that cool flute and menacing double bass, then a voice of rich, lunar beauty lighting up this long farewell.” As well as renown tenor Stefan Vinke who as praised by Bachtrack “I don’t think there’s another tenor in the world who can hit the levels Vinke does and make it sound so casual.”
• A song cycle for orchestra and two voices. Composed by Mahler in 1908 and 1909. Read more about Das Lied von der Erde here.

INFORMATION FOR TICKET BUYERS

• All Boston Philharmonic Orchestra concerts make use of a stage extension. This makes row E the first row directly in front of the stage. View Symphony Hall Seat Maps to see where the extension overlaps and where any viewer obstructions are located before you choose your seats.
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• View our Ticket Policies page for further information.