First Performances of M2 in Vietnam

[mike bosworth]

(Apologies for the cross-posting)

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The Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra (VNSO) presented an exciting and
moving performance of M2 on Saturday night at the Hanoi Opera House.  This
was easily the best performance of their on-going Mahler symphonic cycle
to date, in front of a nearly sold-out and very appreciative audience. 
The orchestra showed great improvement in both technical execution and
overall ensemble when compared to the much weaker M3 of one year ago
(which was the previous installment in the cycle).  The horns in
particular were the best I have heard them thus far, and the soloists and
Vietnamese choirs were fine.

The VNSO was augmented by four Norwegian guest musicians (on horn,
trumpet, timpani, and violin).  The violinist, Stig Nilsson, is listed in
the program as the principal Concertmaster of the Oslo Philharmonic.  He
sat on the second desk of the first violins. The two Japanese harpists who
have been part of the cycle from the beginning were once again superb.

First and second violins were split left and right for the first time in
the cycle.  The offstage horns and brass band, sequestered in the deep
recesses of the Opera House, were well-played and very effective.

With one major exception (see below), I found conductor Tetsuji Honna's
overall conception of the work quite good.  He handled the final
perorations very well, and the tubular chimes and tam-tam cut through
clearly.  I could not hear an organ however, so I will have to ask him
later if there was even one present.

My main issue was with the Scherzo, which began at a very rapid tempo and
seemed to speed up from there.  One of the negative results was that the
idyllic, contemplative passage at Rehearsal #40 (bar 272--marked 'sehr
getragen und gesangvoll') was rather quickly dispensed with.  This is one
of my favorite moments in the whole Symphony, but there was little tempo
change here, and in opposition to Mahler's instructions for the trumpets
to stand out ('sehr hervortretend'), they could barely be heard.  A pity.

Still, on the whole a very satisfying experience (of course assisted by
the great music itself!).  Even my wife was duly impressed.  My English
program notes (also translated into Vietnamese) got through unscathed this
time.  Unfortunately, only the text of 'Urlicht' was provided; the full
text of the Finale was not included.  Also, the VNSO's bio of Mahler in
the program is still terrible and needs a complete overhaul.

The concert details:

Gustav Mahler, Symphony No. 2 (first performances in Vietnam)
Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra
Conductor:  Tetsuji Honna (Japan)
Soprano: Mami Kashigoe (Japan)
Alto: Anna Einarsson (Sweden)
Chorus of Vietnam National Opera and Ballet Orchestra
Chorus of Vietnam National Academy of Music
Military Cermonial Association 781 (offstage brass--in full dress uniform!)

Mike Bosworth
Hanoi

[mahlerei]

Mike

Thanks for your fascinating insight into a most unusual performance. Just goes to show that great music transcends all boundaries.

[Berni]

Thanks for the information.
I was in Hanoi earlier this year and came across a reference to this Mahler cycle. I was intrigued but could not find out very much about it. Very interesting to read a report as to what it was actually like.
Bernard

[barry guerrero]

Right on, Mike. Like Beatllel-mania, Mahler-mania continues on and on. Thanks for updating us.