Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra Presents Resurrection

Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 in C minor, also known as the “Resurrection” symphony, is a gigantic work of five movements that explores life, death, and spiritual rebirth. The orchestra is enormous, requiring extended brass, woodwind, and percussion sections. Judiciously utilized are two vocal soloists and large chorus to sing text from Friedrich Klopstock’s poem “Die Auferstehung” (“The Resurrection”). The final inspiration for Mahler was his presence at his friend, and world-famous conductor Hans von Bülow’s funeral where the Klopstock poem was recited.

As with much of Mahler’s symphonic writing, the music vacillates between emotional states - sometimes wildly - and highly complex music contrasting with the simplest of folk songs. It is always a journey … and one well worth taking.