Lake Union Civic Orchestra: Wagner & Mahler
$20 ($15 students/seniors)
Richard Wagner — Wotan's Farewell
Richard Wagner — "Ride of the Valkuries" from Die Walküre ("The Valkyrie"), WWV 86B
Gustav Mahler — Symphony No. 1 in D major "Titan"
Richard Wagner — Die Walküre ("The Valkyrie"), WWV 86B
Clayton Brainerd, bass baritone
Christophe Chagnard, conductor
Richard Wagner – "Ride of the Valkyries" from Die Walküre
Richard Wagner – "Wotan’s Farewell" from Die Walküre
Richard Wagner – "Magic Fire Music" from Die Walküre
Gustav Mahler – Symphony No. 1 in D major, "Titan"
From the conductor: After 20 years on the podium, I can state with confidence that no other composer elicits such a level of excitement and anticipation with orchestral musicians as Mahler. Performing Mahler's first symphony at Meany Hall was unquestionably a gigantic leap forward in LUCO's artistic development, and one of my most rewarding experiences on the podium. Mahler is exceedingly difficult to play and render in its sheer grandeur and complexity, but it is also immensely gratifying. It is music created for musicians that rewards efforts ten-fold. Leading Mahler feels like an existential journey like no other, spanning the whole of the human condition. Pairing such a monumental creation with the right repertoire takes careful planning, and Wagner has always proven to be a perfect companion. The great baritone Clayton Brainerd was the first singer I worked with when I arrived in the Northwest in 1993. Our partnership of 25 years has included many musical milestones, particularly a memorable "Wotan's Farewell."