Very long Mahler concerts

[akiralx]

Have just finished Michael Kennedy's biography of Sir Adrian Boult (who conducted more Mahler than I realised) - but I thought I'd mention a concert he attended in the early years of C20th, when Das Lied von der Erde was played in the first half, followed by M9 in the second!

Reminds me of Horowitz's lack of rapport with Furtwangler during their only concert together: VH was upset to hear he would play Brahms' Second Concerto after the interval - before which WF conducted Bruckner 8!

[Leo K]

Concerts used to be even longer!

On December 28, 1808 Beethoven premiered His 5th and 6th Symphonies, the Mass in C, the Fourth Piano Concerto, and the Choral Fantansia!  I think the concert lasted about 4 hours.  And everyone was freezing and uncomfortable, as the hall was unheated.  By evening, when the 5th was performed last, no one cared!!