Rainy Ghost Train Ride in Gravenig – noe.ORF.at

“How you do it can be wrong,” wrote APA cultural editor Ewald Baringer. The brilliant performance of Mahler’s “Symphony of Resurrection” with the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) led by Simon Rattle was carried into the auditorium the night before due to poor weather forecasts – which did not materialize – the decision was made the day after it was held. The concert in the clouds tower despite the light rain. Not an ideal starting point for Haas’ demanding and complex work, when the audience is busy for minutes putting on their raincoats and then anxiously watching the sky.

Tonkunstler mastered the ‘Flying Colors’ challenge

In an introductory talk with music journalist Oliver Lang, Haas explained that his composition is an expression of personal trauma, and that listeners can find their own trauma in his works. This helps understanding, because the use of acoustic surfaces and microtonality in this case certainly evoke associations with a ghost train ride through the incredible inner life. Lower Austria’s Tonkunstler Orchestra, led by Baldur Bronnemann, rose to the challenge with Bravura, violinist Miranda Cookson, who also had a solo role at the 2017 premiere in Tokyo, impressed by her talented commitment.

Just as the rain stopped resting, a move into the hall was announced and the partially ecstatic audience was invited to a glass of wine. Robert Schumann’s Fourth Symphony ended a turbulent day that began with chamber music: Rudolf Buchbender and four LSO members enjoyed the morning with Schumann’s quintet and Antonin Dvorak.