Austin Symphony Struggles Successfully to Resurrect Mahler's 2nd Symphony

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Scott Cantrell of the Dallas Morning News wrote a review of last nights performance of Austin Symphony gave an admirably good performance of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 2, "Resurrection." The performance was with Soprano Linda Mabbsand mezzo Susan Platts and the Conspirare Symphonic Choir uder the direction of music director Peter Bay.

Bay probably would have been unwise to attempt elaborate expressive expansions and contractions. He whipped up well-focused intensity at the end, but in general favored an approach more crisply modern than romantic.

The second movement might have lilted more at a slightly faster opening tempo, but the finale's resurrection chorale was surprisingly brisk, and surprisingly effective as such. The electronic organ was inaudible at the end, but otherwise a stirring sound was made by all.

Austin Symphony repeats the performance tonight (8pm) at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. $19 to $48. 1-512-476-6064, www.austinsymphony.org.

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