Mahler: Symphony No. 6

Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 in the full cycle from Semyon Bychkov and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, one of Europe’s most historically resonant orchestras with a conductor internationally recognised for his structural command and interpretive integrity. The Orchestra occupies a distinctive place within Mahler’s geographical and cultural landscape – Mahler was born and brought up in Bohemia and completed his first symphony shortly after spending a year in Prague. Mahler symphonies have been central to Bychkov’s programming with the Czech Philharmonic since 2018 when he opened his tenure as Chief Conductor and Music Director with performances of Mahler Symphony No. 2

Symphony No. 6 in A Minor (1903–04) is a tragic case in point. Outwardly the most ‘Classical’ work in the cycle, with its four movements and a repeated exposition in the first, it is also an act of disavowal – if not of complete destruction. Certainly, the Finale’s hammer blows drive the point home, though a nefarious spirit is present in the militaristic first movement and Scherzo, which could annihilate everything in their path. Only the Andante provides solace. With its jangling cowbells and aching melodies, it recalls the bucolic setting of Beethoven’s Sixth, albeit to stand as a reminder of what Mahler can only hope to achieve. After all, this E-flat major slow movement is at a tritonal remove from the Symphony’s prevailing tonality. There will be no thanksgiving after the storm here. And, as the cycle turns to its next instalment, we are left wondering how Mahler could ever recover from such a nihilistic narrative.

Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Semyon Bychkov – conductor