Was Mahler essentially a selfobsessed hypochondriac who, on being told by his doctor he had a possibly fatal heart condition wrote his final symphony in a lather of recrimination and anguish?
Or was he a highly sensitive man, prone to deep depression who used music to workthrough his feelings and forcefully grapple with his psychological demons?
The answer probably lies inbetween. The Symphony No 9 is undoubtedly one of the great works in symphonic tradition. Of immense length and power, the music canvasses a wide spectrum of emotions - everything from cynicism and bitterness to nostalgic resignation.
So the opportunity to hear the symphony not only once this year, but twice, obviously lends itself to comparison. The Philharmonia Orchestra of London under Vladimir Ashkenazy made a lasting impression with its performance here in January. But sadly the musicians were quite handicapped by the Civic Theatre's totally dull and lifeless acoustics.
Luckily, by playing in the Town Hall Saturday night, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra under James Judd did not suffer the same ignominy.
The difference between both venues could not be more vivid. Mahler's score came across in wave after wave of marvelously clear sound. And the addition of a big screen behind the orchestra would have delighted those sitting with poor sightlines. While the screen was distracting, seeing all the orchestral action in detail when it was happening was novel.
Accompanied by such constantly moving visual imagery Judd extracted a workmanlike performance of the symphony. The music was even more drawn out than usual (especially the adagio with its heart-rending theme) although the controlled frenzy in the opening andante comodo was carefully managed.
Of all four movements it was the mocking scherzo that had the tightest performance, with its three tortuous dances given full expression.
Beforehand Judd introduced the orchestra's Music 2000 Prize. The first contender Christopher Marshall has written a somewhat melodious work, Hikurangi Sunrise. Although having its moments the music seemed rather superficial, even saccharine, despite its knowledgeable scoring.
