Gustav Mahler’s 2nd Symphony by the Kansas City Symphony

I recently attended a concert by the Kansas City Symphony of Gustav Mahler’s 2nd Symphony. Mahler is a very unique composer in the history of classical music though some might say his music is much too long and drawn out while others revel in his ability to develop so many facets of a musical theme. His music requires a large orchestral force, including a lot of brass, and there are moments when the entire force of the orchestra is unleashed and moments when there is almost a “chamber music” feel to the orchestration. The balance of this range is quite a challenge for the very best of orchestras and the Kansas City musicians were up to the challenge. The 2nd symphony by Gustav Mahler also includes a chorus and two soloists, a mezzo-soprano and a soprano and it is has been given the name the “Resurrection” symphony because it asks (and tackles) the profound question of what happens when we die, when we cease to exist. This is no small matter in a day and time where there seems to be so much senseless violence and disregard for human life including from conception. Happily the triumph of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is displayed with true beauty in the Mahler 2nd Symphony. There is innocence lost, struggle with sin, transformation through forgiveness, and finally the courage to face death while finding the deeper meaning of the passageway from an earthly physical death to a spiritual eternity with Love itself, the The Blessed Holy Trinity. Wow! What worked for me as a listener was the majesty of the orchestra’s playing and the attention to detail in the quieter “chamber music like” passages. A couple of times there was a lack of synchronization between the orchestra and the conductor but these were fleeting moments. The solo woodwinds, brass, and strings were all excellent and the percussion, especially the tympanist, were superb. Good music and great performances are a gift from God in an age where there is so much “mindless clanging” and obscenity in music. Take the time to study classical music, your brain and soul will be better for it. Also get tickets to the Kansas City Symphony. It is a great way to spend an evening. If you or someone you know may need counseling, please contact Lamar Hunt Jr. or see his website at http://lamarhuntjrcounseling.com/.