This show is part of our 2025 Classical Music Series!
About the Program: Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D major, often called the "Titan," is a bold and imaginative work that bridges the late Romantic and modern eras. Composed between 1887 and 1888 and revised several times thereafter, the symphony showcases Mahler’s innovative orchestration, narrative depth, and emotional range. Originally conceived as a symphonic poem in two parts, Mahler later removed programmatic descriptions, allowing the music to speak more abstractly yet vividly.
The symphony opens with a mysterious, almost primordial atmosphere—distant fanfares, bird calls, and shimmering strings suggest the awakening of nature. The first movement then bursts into life with a joyful melody derived from one of Mahler’s Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (Songs of a Wayfarer), introducing his characteristic use of self-quotation. The second movement is a rustic, dance-like scherzo rooted in Austrian Ländler folk rhythms, filled with earthy humor and dynamic contrasts.
The third movement is particularly striking: a slow, funereal march based on the children's song "Frère Jacques" rendered in a minor key. This haunting transformation is layered with klezmer-like interjections and bitter irony, highlighting Mahler’s fascination with paradox and the grotesque. The finale erupts with tempestuous energy, shifting between anguish and triumph as it revisits earlier themes and builds toward an exhilarating resolution.
Symphony No. 1 already reveals many of Mahler’s trademarks—emotional extremes, structural innovation, and a deep sense of existential searching. Though initially met with confusion and criticism, the work is now celebrated as a masterful first step in Mahler’s symphonic journey, foreshadowing the profound musical and philosophical explorations that would define his later works.
About MSCO: The Main Street Chamber Orchestra (MSCO) was founded to make classical music an accessible and meaningful part of the community. The name reflects the orchestra’s local roots and its mission to bring exceptional music into the lives of all.
Date & Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025. Doors open at 6:00 PM and the concert starts at 7:00 PM.
Ticket Price: All tickets are general admission. $35 in advance until 3:00 PM on the day of the event. $40 at the door. Children 12 years and below are free when accompanied by an adult.
Ticket Information: Reserve tickets in advance online or by calling the Barns of Rose Hill Box Office at 540-955-2004 (hours). When our Box Office is closed, please leave a message. All ticket sales are final; no exceptions or exchanges.
Program Sponsor: The Classical Music Series is supported by the Barns of Rose Hill Classical Club. Anyone can join! If you enjoy seeing classical programs at the Barns, consider becoming a member today. Learn More »