Experiments in classical music #1: Mahler am Tisch

The goal of my postdoc is to experiment with and reflect on innovation in classical music practices, by doing experiments with a symphony orchestra. This year, we are going to do five experiments with the Southnetherlands Philharmonic. Together with the lovely people of the orchestra, audiences, and others, we organise, program and assess specifically designed experimental concerts. Next week, our first experiment is coming up: Mahler am Tisch!

Mahler am Tisch experiment approaches Mahler’s music through the lens of his folk, national and melodic roots. Three ensemble-bands are created from musicians with various backgrounds to explore three different aspects of Mahler: a klezmer band, a brass band, and a string quartet.

Each group will work around a combination of arranged and unarranged scores of folk songs from the symphonies of Mahler. The groups then collaborate in the process of arranging the unarranged excerpts and learning the other arrangements from the score. In the end, the musicians will create a set list that is entirely their own.

The ensembles then go to two local cafés in Maastricht, Café Tribunal and Café Forum, where they get to know the locals and their audience by performing “am Tisch” – around a table. This approach to Mahler retains and yet explores the characteristics of his music through highlighting the folk-origins of his work. Mahler was inspired by folk music and by the village songs and dances that surrounded him. This project aims to highlight this aspect of his music, both musically and spatially. By doing so, we aim to shed new light to the work of Mahler and to the relevance this music can bring in a new context to new audiences.

The concerts take place in Maastricht. Come join at one of these dates:
19-11 @Cafe Forum, 17h-19h
20-11 @Cafe Forum, 17h-19h
21-11 @Cafe Tribunal 17h-19h
23-11 @Cafe Tribunal, 18h-20h

Free entrance / gratis.

Maastricht Center for the Innovation of Classical Music
www.mcicm.nl