Mahler’s Sixth Symphony, a capital work of symphonic literature, dark, ominous, and gloomy, while at the same time magnificent, is known in music literature as the Tragic. However, according to the tone of the introductory movements, the nickname Military would be more appropriate, because of the extensive use of drums in the first movement and its march-like dynamics. This monumental achievement lasts almost a full 90 minutes and is Mahler’s longest symphony after his Third and represents the focal point of his mature instrumental trilogy. In the context of our orchestra, it is significant that this is the composition with which the young Gabriel Feltz presented himself to the Belgrade audience for the first time on June 26, 2009.

Program Notes