Friday-Sunday, March 26-28, 2021
MACDOWELL Piano Concerto No. 2
MAHLER Symphony No. 5
American composer Edward MacDowell is best-known for a sweet little piano tune called “To a Wild Rose” and his Second Piano Concerto, which is a downright formidable beast. In the latter, MacDowell demands virtuosity from the soloist much like the Romantic-era concertos of Grieg, Liszt and Tchaikovsky. With her “brilliant and imaginative playing” (New York Times), Martina Filjak is just the keyboard whiz to tackle this ambitious work. Starting in a daydream, the piece soon gives way to stunning, showy passages and a lively middle section. The last movement requires tremendous technique and unrelenting passion with its huge orchestral climaxes, high-spirited fireworks and massive ending, which will whet your appetite for the grandness of the program’s second half.
Speaking of big, Gustav Mahler believed a symphony should contain the entire world, and his epic Fifth Symphony comes about as close as any. Mahler’s masterpiece is a spectacular, transformational event that spans the full spectrum of emotions. From deep anguish to intense joy, what prevails is a complete triumph of the human spirit. Nestled between movements is the intimate and indescribably beautiful “Adagietto” with just wistful strings and gentle harp alone. Many say this was Mahler’s love letter to his wife, presented as delicately and sensitively as a whisper. And for the final movement, as the last notes sound, your heart may burst from pure happiness. You simply cannot miss this transcendent experience with Michael Stern and your Kansas City Symphony.
