John Dalmas's account of his wife listening to Mahler's Ninth whilst
talking to her friend on the phone had me in stitches. Her line about
regretting that John wasn't playing something less depressing whilst she
was on the phone capped it all.
Which leads me on to the subject of Mahler's Ninth. Is it depressing
and if so, in what way or ways?
There has been a lot of critical disagreement over, for example, the last
movement. Most agree that this music is at least in part about death, but
is it despair or noble acceptance of opur mortality? Is it also about other
"farewells"?
I have to say that this music is a great favourite of mine. I have views,
which change almost every time I hear the piece. I'd be happy to share my
shifting opinions, but I'd be more than grateful to hear the views of
others.
Ian Foster
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