ALMA '> Thursday 30 January 2020 EDINBURGH Usher Hall – 7.30pm
MOZART Overture,Idomeneo (5’)
ALMA MAHLER [arr COLIN '> MARK WIGGLESWORTH – Conductor
KAREN CARGILL – Mezzo-Soprano
The radiant Scottish mezzo-soprano Karen Cargill has long championed the songs of Alma Mahler alongside those of her more famous husband, Gustav. It is a miracle they exist at all since Mr Mahler insisted that Mrs should “devote yourself to me unconditionally”, and cease composing. Characteristically,she did not pursue her composing career in public.
These orchestral versions showcase them alongside Gustav Mahler’s heavenly symphony, a piece he compared to “…the blue of the sky.” Saving the best until the last, Cargill completes the evening in the symphony’s touching, closing song – a child’s vision of heaven where angels bake the bread and St Peter fishes from a limitless pond.
Composer Insights: 6.45pm
Author Cate Haste discusses the life and music of Alma Mahler with SCO Creative Learning Director Kirsteen Davidson Kelly.
