There is perhaps no more literal interpretation of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No.8 than the “Symphony of a Thousand”.
The sheer scale of the production was like no other WASO has done before. Before the music even started it was bewildering to look up and around, anywhere, and see a musician in their seat – on stage, at the organ, in the stalls and even in the dress circle. WASO had to ship in a few extra players to make up the ‘thousand’ – and aren’t we grateful for it.
Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No.8 presented by WASO. Photography by Daniel J Grant.
The First Movement starts with a bold and overwhelming invocation. The orchestral power combined with the each of the vocalists’ and four choirs’ vigour all at once were seamless in their purpose – but at the same time, each was fighting for your attention. It was difficult to divert your eyes on the hypnotising violin’s bows moving in rhythmic unison, the dramatic pace of the timpani, the intense expressions Sopranos and the athletic efforts on the double bass. Above all of that, conductor Asher Fisch navigated the orchestra through the complex layers and dynamic shifts with ease.
Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No.8 presented by WASO. Photography by Daniel J Grant.
The Second Movement is a contrasting composition. Here the soloists shone in parallel with the orchestra’s transition from ethereal to majestic – handled deftly, this ensured each movement of quiet tension released into explosive sound. You couldn’t help but be swept up in the drama of it all and feel somewhat overwhelmed by the technical skill on show. One particularly beautiful moment was watching the moments of unison in the hand of the harpists, which then quickly deviated, and then came back together again. To be in the presence of not one, but two, harps is the most apt way to demonstrate the luxury and sheer excess of the production.
As the final, powerful chords rang out and the performers took their bows, the standing ovation that followed felt like the only possible response to the level of energy radiated by the artists.
While the promise of renovations to the Perth Concert Hall has been delayed, we can still enjoy shaking its foundations a little longer.